Synonyms of nail-biting

nail-biting

adjective

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

• tense
• uneasy
• disturbing
• unsettling
• anxious
• nervous
• restless
• distressing
• unnerving
• creepy
• distressful
• fraught
• disquieting
• nerve-racking
• worrisome
• agitating
• embarrassing
• hairy
• troublesome
• strained
• awkward
• discouraging
• bothersome
• foreboding
• disheartening
• misgiving
• unrestful
• restive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• quiet
• comfortable
• peaceful
• tranquil
• calming
• restful
• quieting
• pacific

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail-biting

Texas passed its first SEC test with what turned out to be a nail-biting 20-17 win over Tennessee in Knoxville. — Reid Laymance, Houston Chronicle, 27 Sep. 2026

During the nail-biting matchup, Travis, 36, set the NFL record for most yards after a first-quarter catch from Patrick Mahomes that led to a touchdown, surpassing Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk to solidify himself at the top of the list. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

And naturally, the festival also serves as something of a springboard for those nail-biting awards runs. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Our final action scene isn’t the biggest or brashest, but certainly the most nail-biting and, pound for pound, the most consequential of the season. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026

This multi-day celebration of culture, community, and fun fills Lansing’s downtown corridor with delicious flavor, handicrafts, soulful live music, and even nail-biting lucha libre wrestling. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026

But the wins have, largely, been grinding contests reliant on perfect pitching and nail-biting relief. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Once the final paddle was raised, the crowd strolled over to the President’s Suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium for dessert, Honey Deuces, and a front row seat to the nail-biting Djokovic-Navone match. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

The movie’s nail-biting centerpiece is filmed partly with night-vision lenses, as Bangley cuts down dozens of attackers. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026