The phrase "nip the bud" means to stop something before it becomes a bigger problem or before it has a chance to develop. Antonyms for "nip the bud" might include "encourage growth," "foster development," or "allow to flourish." These antonyms suggest that instead of stopping something early on, we should give it more attention and support in order to help it grow and succeed. Other antonyms might include "ignore," "neglect," "overlook," or "let it run its course," all of which suggest a lack of intervention or action.