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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nail
Give key lime pie nails a futuristic twist with a chrome finish.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Chapman tried for a double, but the throw from Tyler Soderstrom in left field to Gelof was in time to nail Chapman.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Blue and white stripes are the epitome of beachy summer style, and these Cider Palazzo Pants nail the look for less at just $26.
—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Chapman tried for a double, but the throw from Tyler Soderstrom in left field to Gelof was in time to nail Chapman.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Blue and white stripes are the epitome of beachy summer style, and these Cider Palazzo Pants nail the look for less at just $26.
—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
-
Israeli strikes hit several towns in southern Lebanon on Saturday morning local time, killing at least five people, Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported, despite Israel and Hezbollah renewing their truce Friday.
-
Temperatures are expected to soar on June 22 in parts of Oregon and Washington, possibly hitting 100 degrees in Portland and at least 90 degrees in Seattle.
Verb
-
Attorneys for the Justice Department asked Cooper for more time to respond to Beatty, saying the Kennedy Center is still deciding how to proceed.
-
Lucky decides to take Mason to his first baseball game in Atlanta, only to encounter a series of complications and setbacks for which fatherhood, grief, and economic barriers are a distinct part of the Black American experience.
Verb
-
Outdoor ceiling fans are exposed to constant moisture and humidity.
-
The Callasli dropped the pointed toe, lowered the shine and exposed considerably more skin, giving her second pink heel in three days a lighter summer shape rather than making Saturday’s shoe do another round.
Verb
-
He was arrested and charged with nine felony counts, including second-degree murder, in New York state court.
-
After weeks of overnight fuel thefts, Rocklin police arrested a suspect during an early Thursday traffic stop, the department announced.
Verb
-
There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
-
Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
Verb
-
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leads the NL in votes received, which would give him the automatic starting spot at DH should that lead hold into Thursday, knocking Schmitt out of contention.
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
Verb
-
The initial reason for the date requirement – which began in the 1940s – was to determine if a ballot that had been received after the election had been sent before the polls closed.
-
Actual salary increases will vary among employees because some of the funding is being used for market adjustments, and employee compensation is also determined by placement on the salary schedule, according to the district.
Verb
-
Archaeologists also uncovered extensive drainage systems, flooring, and a hypocaust—a sophisticated Roman underfloor heating system supported by brick pillars.
-
Carro also ruled that key evidence, including a gun and a red notebook, uncovered during a subsequent search of the backpack, could be used at trial.
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
