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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nail
This chunky-but-lightweight pair adds polish to any look without trying too hard—the key to nailing Portuguese style.
—
Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Ronnie Hart, her stylist, nailed this.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Ronnie Hart, her stylist, nailed this.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Denholm is giving interviews to explain the board’s decision to award Musk a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion if the company hits milestones for market capitalization, profits, and vehicle production.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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How would Trump react to his administration now getting to decide the fate of CNN?—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
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Ego Nwodim has decided to leave the NBC show after seven seasons.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With just 24 hours to decide the fate of the house, old resentments bubble up, secrets are exposed and shifting alliances test whatever bonds remain.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Cherry persuades Harriet to publicly expose Laura, to talk to journalists and manufacture a viral story.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Every Democratic politician must be arrested and the party banned under RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act].—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Authorities arrested a man shortly after a bullet hit Kirk, Mason said during the news conference.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Plus, grab knife sets and a nifty electric can opener to streamline your cooking.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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As Jey checked on Jimmy, LA Knight grabbed the steel chair and teased hitting Jey Uso.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Arkansas held a 16-point lead in the second half against Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders rallied to win 85-83 in overtime to secure a trip to the Elite Eight and knock the Razorbacks out of the tournament.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After an initial jam session to determine musical abilities and interests, participants are paired up and assigned to a counselor who manages their activities for the week.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Reuters was unable to determine whether Pulte or administration officials are aware of Cook’s Atlanta loan estimate.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Barr confirms unreleased Epstein footage Barr confirmed that searches of Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, and possibly his island and New Mexico home, had uncovered cameras and recording systems.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
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After years of demanding better pay and protections from individual farmers and buyers, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers — the anti-trafficking organization that uncovered the first examples of abuse in the massive federal case — launched the Fair Food Program in 2010.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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