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
The New Jersey natives (and Giants fans) whip through various photo setups and ask for the score even when the answer hurts (the Giants lost to the Broncos in a 33-32 nail-biter).
—
Andrea Lavinthal, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
This is going to be a nail-biter come Tuesday.
—ABC News, 30 Nov. 2025
For the gym-goers and habitual nail-biters in your life, this is an essential gift.
—The Editors, Outside, 14 Nov. 2025
What the polls missed in NJ In New Jersey, the governor’s race was expected to be a nail-biter.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Andrea Lavinthal, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
This is going to be a nail-biter come Tuesday.
—ABC News, 30 Nov. 2025
For the gym-goers and habitual nail-biters in your life, this is an essential gift.
—The Editors, Outside, 14 Nov. 2025
What the polls missed in NJ In New Jersey, the governor’s race was expected to be a nail-biter.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
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 7 Dec. 2025.
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