as in tense
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-biting
The Cincinnati Bengals came away with a nail-biting Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, emerging with a 17-16 victory thanks to the Browns missing both an extra point and a 36-yard field goal.
—
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Anisimova mounted a comeback in her semifinal, defeating Naomi Osaka (23) in a nail-biting match that stretched past midnight.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The venue, boasting what’s billed as one of the largest stages in the world, will be outfitted with a ramp course for six riders, while overhead, spectators can watch Argentinian acrobats Flora Aracama and Nico Busso work their nail-biting, emotional magic on the rings.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
The final set was much more of a contest, with the duo exchanging multiple breaks of serve as the match wound down to a nail-biting finish.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
With six strong innings from Clayton Kershaw and three innings of nail-biting relief, the Dodgers ended a four-game losing streak and regained a share of first place in the National League West with a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
On July 22, at the Junior Olympics’ Platinum Division four-day tournament in Orange County, the Del Mar 12U Blue squad faced off in an exhilarating final match against Newport Beach Water Polo Club that ended in a nail-biting 10-10 tie.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Anisimova mounted a comeback in her semifinal, defeating Naomi Osaka (23) in a nail-biting match that stretched past midnight.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The venue, boasting what’s billed as one of the largest stages in the world, will be outfitted with a ramp course for six riders, while overhead, spectators can watch Argentinian acrobats Flora Aracama and Nico Busso work their nail-biting, emotional magic on the rings.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
The final set was much more of a contest, with the duo exchanging multiple breaks of serve as the match wound down to a nail-biting finish.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
With six strong innings from Clayton Kershaw and three innings of nail-biting relief, the Dodgers ended a four-game losing streak and regained a share of first place in the National League West with a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
On July 22, at the Junior Olympics’ Platinum Division four-day tournament in Orange County, the Del Mar 12U Blue squad faced off in an exhilarating final match against Newport Beach Water Polo Club that ended in a nail-biting 10-10 tie.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biting
Adjective
-
The exchange grew more tense when Brzezinski raised concerns about ICE vehicles parked outside a Spanish-language Mass in Boston, saying such actions spread fear in immigrant communities.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The arrests also raised alarm in Seoul, further complicating tense US-South Korea relations over investments agreed to in their trade deal, the Financial Times reported.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Handing spending power to a piece of software makes people uneasy.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
An uneasy calm, after two nights of chaos that saw tens of thousands of people pour out into the streets to vent their fury, setting fire to parliament and the Supreme Court – key symbols of state – and clashing with the government forces sent to keep them under control.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos.—
Annie Margaret,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This may be subtle but often unsettling in nature.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
For a story that could be this dark, what a gift to be able to recount some of these things, but with a tone that doesn’t need to be wildly investigative and uncomfortable and unsettling.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Research in attachment theory tells us that people with anxious attachment tendencies often monitor signs of availability and care in their partners.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
While all of his children enjoy supporting him at his fights, María is the one who gets the most anxious, according to Canelo.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
FurHaven Calming Cuddler Donut Pet Bed A fluffy bed that surrounds your dog with warmth can be great for relieving anxiety and calming down a nervous pet.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Even with the mixed indications for winter golf, course owners are nervous, NCGOA CEO Jay Karen said on a video call.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Of the roiling mass of restless natives, cranky artists and tattered idealists who rose up across the Southland this summer to flip off darkness and call America back to its better angels?—
John Lopez,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Sep. 2025
-
While his wife and daughter build a new life in Vienna, Roman stays behind — confused, restless and convinced that things will get better.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Men may feel threatened in their own success –– which is particularly distressing if they have been raised to see work as their top measure of worth –– and women may feel conflict about the division of household labor, McCoy said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biting. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share