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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This chunky-but-lightweight pair adds polish to any look without trying too hard—the key to nailing Portuguese style.
—
Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Ronnie Hart, her stylist, nailed this.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Ronnie Hart, her stylist, nailed this.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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When the financial crisis hit in 2008, Mindy Fitzpatrick considered selling her family’s 6-acre wooded lot on Friendly Road.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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How would Trump react to his administration now getting to decide the fate of CNN?—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
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Ego Nwodim has decided to leave the NBC show after seven seasons.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With just 24 hours to decide the fate of the house, old resentments bubble up, secrets are exposed and shifting alliances test whatever bonds remain.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
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Cherry persuades Harriet to publicly expose Laura, to talk to journalists and manufacture a viral story.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Every Democratic politician must be arrested and the party banned under RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act].—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Authorities arrested a man shortly after a bullet hit Kirk, Mason said during the news conference.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Video surveillance from the scene posted online by Fox 11 shows a man lingering near a doorway, quickly grabbing the gift box from a table and running out of the venue.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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The owner wanted to keep the grab-and-go options previously offered in the space.—
La Risa R. Lynch,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Arkansas held a 16-point lead in the second half against Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders rallied to win 85-83 in overtime to secure a trip to the Elite Eight and knock the Razorbacks out of the tournament.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After an initial jam session to determine musical abilities and interests, participants are paired up and assigned to a counselor who manages their activities for the week.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Reuters was unable to determine whether Pulte or administration officials are aware of Cook’s Atlanta loan estimate.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Initially dismissed as an accident, Charles, Oliver and Mabel dive headfirst into the investigation, uncovering a sprawling conspiracy that stretches beyond the building’s walls and entangles New York’s old mob families with its newest billionaires.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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In the area of the bridge ruins, a number of other artifacts were also uncovered.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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