Synonyms of nail

nail

verb

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

• hit
• knock
• slap
• smack
• punch
• bang
• slam
• strike
• clip
• whack
• clap
• bat
• pound
• swipe
• crack
• hammer
• box
• kick
• clock
• tap
• bash
• lick
• tag
• thump
• poke
• bob
• bludgeon
• sock
• push
• belt
• slug
• jab
• swat
• bop
• shove
• smite
• paste
• chop
• flick
• zap
• clobber
• rap
• stab
• clout
• bonk
• thwack
• whale
• bump
• stroke
• bust
• wallop
• biff
• slog
• rough
• maul
• beat
• stamp
• hang one on
• lash
• knee
• pummel
• pepper
• cuff
• batter
• mangle
• buffet
• bung
• butt
• pelt
• slash
• scuff
• pommel
• cream
• drub
• lace
• bunt
• spear
• fell
• floor
• deck
• whip
• lambaste
• cane
• skull
• prod
• brain
• dump
• bean
• sledge
• jostle
• club
• cudgel
• sap
• conk
• switch
• sledgehammer
• level
• knock down
• flail
• bowl (down or over)
• thrash
• flog
• sucker punch
• rabbit-punch

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

• decide
• determine
• settle
• clinch
• clarify
• prove
• define
• establish
• ensure
• show
• nail (down)
• insure
• assure
• secure
• state
• demonstrate
• end
• finish
• specify
• affirm
• illuminate
• clear (up)
• conclude
• stipulate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confuse
• muddy
• muddle
• unsettle

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

• expose
• uncover
• show up
• debunk
• unmask
• demolish
• disclose
• discredit
• undress
• tell
• blow the whistle on
• disprove
• uncloak
• divulge
• unveil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mask
• disguise
• hide
• veil
• conceal
• camouflage
• cloak
• secrete

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• restrain
• run in
• nick
• capture
• pinch
• detain
• pull in
• snatch
• jail
• commit
• bust
• trap
• nab
• pick up
• catch
• collar
• hook
• snare
• grapple
• confine
• imprison
• incarcerate
• land
• snap (up)
• bag
• bind
• get
• hold
• lock (up)
• handcuff
• shackle
• intern
• jug
• fetter
• immure
• manacle
• remand
• trammel
• enchain
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• loosen
• loose
• spring
• liberate
• free
• emancipate
• unchain
• unbind

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

• grab
• catch
• snatch
• seize
• capture
• get
• trap
• land
• hook
• snag
• snare
• grapple
• rap
• nab
• net
• corral
• bag
• take hold (of)
• snap (up)
• cop
• rope
• nobble
• collar
• clutch
• glove
• grasp
• hold
• glom
• grip
• fist
• arrest
• corner
• apprehend
• bay
• secure
• clasp
• detain
• kidnap
• rend
• latch (on or onto)
• lasso
• fasten (on)
• halter
• mesh
• abduct
• wrest
• entrap
• ensnare
• spirit (away or off)
• entangle
• enmesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• discharge
• drop
• liberate
• free
• loosen
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail

The right accessories – aka, your nails – can transform your autumn wardrobes, so nailing (pun intended) the color, shape and art is everything. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

Bell technically nailed the run, but Tarantino pulled her aside. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

As for material, the blue and red variants have been made from polished anodized aluminum, which allows Hublot to nail the exact vibrant hue pulled from Koons’ artwork. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

There is something about that scene that nails the nuance of being gutted by the crimes of powerful, entitled men. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing nail

• tooth and nail