Synonyms of nail-biter

nail-biter

noun

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 

as in thriller

something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome

a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thriller
• suspenser
• cliff-hanger
• hair-raiser
• squeaker
• photo finish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blowout
• yawner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail-biter

But even with Messi’s early goal, the game was a nail-biter, with Cape Verde scoring two brilliant goals while their goalie Vozinha made eight saves, including four shots (one of them a free kick) from Messi. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 June 2026

After falling behind 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat then won four straight games to earn its first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the deciding game a 95-92 nail-biter on June 20, 2006, in which Wade finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds and was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP. — James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Coming off a win in Friday’s nail-biter, Brasher and Cruz clinched a 15-10 win in set one off a late surge, finishing on a 6-1 run. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026