The phrase "bite at" refers to the action of attempting to catch or grasp something with one's teeth. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including nibble, gnaw, munch, and chomp. These words are often used in different contexts to describe various types of biting actions. For example, "nibble" may refer to a delicate, gentle bite, while "chomp" connotes a more forceful and aggressive bite. These synonyms can be used interchangeably to add more depth and variation to one's writing, allowing for a more nuanced and descriptive portrayal of biting actions.