nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·​er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 

: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety

nail-biting

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tiŋ 

adjective

Synonyms of nail-biter

• thriller

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

Although Democrats were generally favored in the national environment, Kotek's race against Christine Drazan was one of the biggest nail-biters for a Democratic incumbent in the country. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Ciscomani, bidding for a third term, has won two nail-biters. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Brazilian newspapers are stressing that Sunday’s runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro will be a nail-biter, though Bolsonaro’s campaign is more optimistic after recent polls. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

The incumbent is term-limited, and this year’s open contest is a nail-biter. — New York Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above