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

Soldier, that nails the current plight of the modern American military outfit. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

With this Southern favorite, nailing the gooey texture is essential. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

An old tree stand, made of two boards nailed between two trees, overlooked the trail. — Rich Larocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026

If the point of a Halloween costume is to be unrecognizable, Madonna nailed the assignment. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing nail

• tooth and nail