Synonyms of nail

nail

verb

1

as in to hit

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner

the boxer nailed his opponent with a devastating left hook

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hit
• knock
• slap
• smack
• punch
• bang
• slam
• strike
• clip
• whack
• clap
• bat
• pound
• swipe
• crack
• hammer
• box
• kick
• clock
• tap
• bash
• lick
• tag
• thump
• poke
• bob
• bludgeon
• sock
• push
• belt
• slug
• jab
• swat
• bop
• shove
• smite
• paste
• chop
• flick
• zap
• clobber
• rap
• stab
• clout
• bonk
• thwack
• whale
• bump
• stroke
• bust
• wallop
• biff
• slog
• rough
• maul
• beat
• stamp
• hang one on
• lash
• knee
• pummel
• pepper
• cuff
• batter
• mangle
• buffet
• bung
• butt
• pelt
• slash
• scuff
• pommel
• cream
• drub
• lace
• bunt
• spear
• fell
• floor
• deck
• whip
• lambaste
• cane
• skull
• prod
• brain
• dump
• bean
• sledge
• jostle
• club
• cudgel
• sap
• conk
• switch
• sledgehammer
• level
• knock down
• flail
• bowl (down or over)
• thrash
• flog
• sucker punch
• rabbit-punch

2

as in to decide

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute

this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decide
• determine
• settle
• clinch
• clarify
• prove
• define
• establish
• ensure
• show
• nail (down)
• insure
• assure
• secure
• state
• demonstrate
• end
• finish
• specify
• affirm
• illuminate
• clear (up)
• conclude
• stipulate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confuse
• muddy
• muddle
• unsettle

3

as in to expose

to reveal the true nature of

an investigative report that nailed the teenage novelist as someone who had plagiarized the works of others

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expose
• uncover
• show up
• debunk
• unmask
• demolish
• disclose
• discredit
• undress
• tell
• blow the whistle on
• disprove
• uncloak
• divulge
• unveil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mask
• disguise
• hide
• veil
• conceal
• camouflage
• cloak
• secrete

4

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law

the very first time I tried to steal anything, I got nailed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• restrain
• run in
• nick
• capture
• pinch
• detain
• pull in
• snatch
• jail
• commit
• bust
• trap
• nab
• pick up
• catch
• collar
• hook
• snare
• grapple
• confine
• imprison
• incarcerate
• land
• snap (up)
• bag
• bind
• get
• hold
• lock (up)
• handcuff
• shackle
• intern
• jug
• fetter
• immure
• manacle
• remand
• trammel
• enchain
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• loosen
• loose
• spring
• liberate
• free
• emancipate
• unchain
• unbind

5

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

the running back saw the pass coming in and nailed it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grab
• catch
• snatch
• seize
• capture
• get
• trap
• land
• hook
• snag
• snare
• grapple
• rap
• nab
• net
• corral
• bag
• take hold (of)
• snap (up)
• cop
• rope
• nobble
• collar
• clutch
• glove
• grasp
• hold
• glom
• grip
• fist
• arrest
• corner
• apprehend
• bay
• secure
• clasp
• detain
• kidnap
• rend
• latch (on or onto)
• lasso
• fasten (on)
• halter
• mesh
• abduct
• wrest
• entrap
• ensnare
• spirit (away or off)
• entangle
• enmesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• discharge
• drop
• liberate
• free
• loosen
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail

Here’s how to nail the texture—plus a few of our favorite panzanella recipes to riff on all year long. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Pfeiffer got a pass on the right edge of the box, cut inside and nailed a shot with her left foot. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

First baseman Nolan Schanuel fired the ball back to third to try to nail Edwards, but his throw sailed over the head of Neto at shortstop, allowing another run. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026

Combining lightweight linen with the drapey shape of palazzo pants is a foolproof formula for a comfort-forward travel outfit, and these SeeLuNa Palazzo Pants nail the look without sacrificing style. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing nail

• tooth and nail