nail-biter
noun
nail-bit·er
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
Recent Examples on the Web
Rosemount, which won its conference for the first time in 35 years and rarely won by less than double digits, beat Rochester Mayo 65-64 in the semifinals, a nail-biter that proved to be beneficial Saturday.
—
Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Hollywood will convene Sunday night for a nail-biter Academy Awards that’s steering toward a coronation for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The Heat made a desperate comeback attempt in the final minutes of the game, turning the blowout into a nail-biter.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
The opening quarter was a nail-biter, with both programs trading runs.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Hollywood will convene Sunday night for a nail-biter Academy Awards that’s steering toward a coronation for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The Heat made a desperate comeback attempt in the final minutes of the game, turning the blowout into a nail-biter.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
The opening quarter was a nail-biter, with both programs trading runs.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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