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
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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
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Recent Examples of nail
Few writers have nailed the interpersonal thriller better than Kitamura.
—
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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Prosecutors say Read deliberately hit O’Keefe, 46, outside the home a fellow cop and left him for dead in a drunken rage.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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With the bases now empty, Zach McKinstry restarted the rally with a single, Dillon Dingler was hit by a pitch and Trey Sweeney blew the game open with a three-run home run.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2025
Verb
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For now, he’s decided attending university is the best path, but opted to spend his first year of school in Rome to deepen his spirituality.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
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The Court found that the IRS was correct in its decision to revoke tax-exempt status, but the case was not decided until 1983.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Verb
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While two siblings are interned and forced to work, cut off from the outside world, the other two are exempt and work to expose the horrors of the camps.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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The suit seeks justice for the survivors and aims to expose systemic failures in the juvenile justice system.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The former record executive, who was arrested in 2015 on suspicion of murder in a hit-and-run incident that killed businessman Terry Carter, reportedly agreed to a $1.5 million settlement in the wrongful death case on April 29, according to Rolling Stone.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Detectives arrested Ryan Hewitt, 29, of Corona on charges of carjacking and murder following an investigation, the sheriff’s office said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey might end up as No. 2 and No. 3 overall, but the Hornets will be able to grab one if not.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Amid the fighting, one boy punched another in the face, knocking him to the ground, and then began punching several other children.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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On Monday, prosecutors showed the jury footage from a 2016 incident at a Los Angeles hotel in which Combs is shown approaching Ventura in a hallway and knocking her to the floor before kicking her and dragging her back into their hotel room.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Participants will wade in the creek, kicking the gravel bottom to release aquatic animals to identify and determine water quality of the creek.—
Flip Putthoff,
Arkansas Online,
20 May 2025
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While the results of the analyses will help determine the truth of Fourmanoir’s claims, one other possibility remains: The portrait could be a collaborative work by both Gauguin and Ky-Dong.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
Verb
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By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
24 May 2025
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For even better results, turn your compost while it’s uncovered.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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