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
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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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Against Cardinals’ starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore, the Braves mustered just one hit and one run through five innings of an eventual 5-3 loss.
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Thomas had hit a leadoff double, but Michael Massey, Salvador Perez and John Rave failed to drive him in.
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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Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
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As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
Verb
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Each part looks radically different today than when players first started knocking balls around hundreds of years ago.
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The bench tipped, and the man put out a hand to steady himself, knocking a Hopi headpiece off a ledge.
Verb
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Readiness is an ongoing practice, not a declaration, determined by daily interactions and the safety to be candid.
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Investigators later determined the teen had distant family members in Colorado.
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 3 Jul. 2026.
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