nail-biter
noun
nail-bit·er
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
Recent Examples on the Web
Thanks to a great performance from Seth Hall, Whitman-Hanson was able to win a nail-biter on the road Tuesday.
—
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
For those who rely on snow for their livelihoods, every ski season is a nail-biter.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth.
—Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
For the second time this season, the Sea View League opponents provided a nail-biter.
—Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
For those who rely on snow for their livelihoods, every ski season is a nail-biter.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth.
—Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
For the second time this season, the Sea View League opponents provided a nail-biter.
—Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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