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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nail
What’s one piece that was really important to nail?
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
To the late-night host's surprise, the duo nailed almost every singer after a single listen — Cynthia Erivo, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey — prompting Meyers to take quite a few shots.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Greaidea Mid-rise Barrel Jeans Barrel jeans are one of fall’s hottest trends and the Graeidea mid-rise pants nail the look for less than $50.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
The key to nailing this look without veering into kitsch, says Kehoe, is to establish a foundation with color and texture, then add in unique items that reflect your personal style.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
To the late-night host's surprise, the duo nailed almost every singer after a single listen — Cynthia Erivo, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey — prompting Meyers to take quite a few shots.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Greaidea Mid-rise Barrel Jeans Barrel jeans are one of fall’s hottest trends and the Graeidea mid-rise pants nail the look for less than $50.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
The key to nailing this look without veering into kitsch, says Kehoe, is to establish a foundation with color and texture, then add in unique items that reflect your personal style.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
-
The newer versions can hit stationary and moving targets at sea.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His termination notice came just over a week after reporting he had been hit by a car while on duty.—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The fun begins as the other housewives arrive, unaware that the studio has decided to stage a role-playing scenario to test their readiness.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
-
After Xaverian missed a go-ahead 36-yard field goal attempt to end the third, Staine decided to begin the fourth and final quarter with one of his signature Hail Mary shots.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
One way is when iron-rich rock is exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions, but neither are evident in the area around Cheyava Falls.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
This was essentially a cost-saving and simplification exercise and few alarm bells rang at the time, not least because BHP retained a standard listing on the LSE, allowing British investors to remain exposed to the business.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The journalists were among 15 people arrested during the July 17 demonstration held in support of Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former Cincinnati Children's chaplain who was detained by ICE several days before.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The cops showed up and arrested him for God knows what, but Lee definitely didn’t serve four days and one morning for protesting apartheid or being gay in Victorian England.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Today is the last day to grab a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for only $13 (reg.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
-
As the clock expired on a win Brian Daboll desperately needed, the New York Giants coach grabbed rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Upon hearing the officers knock on the window, Jeremy unlocked the SUV and got out.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
-
To help determine how to train and prepare workers, the company is tracking job types to see which increase, decrease and hold steady.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The bust marks one of the largest communications threats uncovered within the country, with over 300 SIM servers filled with more than 100,000 SIM cards discovered throughout various sites within the tri-state area.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Boil gently, uncovered, until reduced to a syrup consistency (about 2/3 cup syrup), about 1 hour; cool.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share