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
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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
Give key lime pie nails a futuristic twist with a chrome finish.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Chapman tried for a double, but the throw from Tyler Soderstrom in left field to Gelof was in time to nail Chapman.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Blue and white stripes are the epitome of beachy summer style, and these Cider Palazzo Pants nail the look for less at just $26.
—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Chapman tried for a double, but the throw from Tyler Soderstrom in left field to Gelof was in time to nail Chapman.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Blue and white stripes are the epitome of beachy summer style, and these Cider Palazzo Pants nail the look for less at just $26.
—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually.
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The Iraq goalkeeper didn't make a play on it, as the ball hit the post and bounced away.
Verb
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Obviously, mom needs to be given the options in this situation and allowed to make her own decisions, but those options can be framed in such a way that mom has to decide the option within the framework of allowing her children their autonomy as well.
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After countless date nights spent wandering Costco aisles during executive member hours and dining on food-court pizza and hot dogs, Beth and Alec Harwerth decided there was no better location for their engagement photos.
Verb
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Outdoor ceiling fans are exposed to constant moisture and humidity.
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The Callasli dropped the pointed toe, lowered the shine and exposed considerably more skin, giving her second pink heel in three days a lighter summer shape rather than making Saturday’s shoe do another round.
Verb
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The suspects arrested allegedly planned to target senior government officials with small, armed drones; no devices were launched.
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Police later caught up to Shockley at his father’s home in New Jersey, and he was arrested and convicted of murder.
Verb
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There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
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Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
Verb
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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leads the NL in votes received, which would give him the automatic starting spot at DH should that lead hold into Thursday, knocking Schmitt out of contention.
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
Verb
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This time green and red shared the spotlight as Algeria played Austria in a Group J match, the final one that determined who would advance to the knockout stage.
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The researchers studied the planets’ orbits using telescopes on Earth to determine their density, from 1,110 light-years away.
Verb
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Astronomers have uncovered a pair of giant planets that are lighter than cotton candy — super-puffs the size of Jupiter.
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The search uncovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, in various stages of decomposition.
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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