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
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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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Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot, crossing over Antetokounmpo and driving to the basket for a right-handed layup with 1.3 seconds left.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
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The western starring Alec Baldwin, who also came up with the story and serves as a producer, was hit by tragedy during production in October 2021 when Baldwin’s prop gun discharged during a rehearsal, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and also injuring director-screenwriter Joel Souza.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Some filmmakers have decided to expand Iran’s underground cinema.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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In lieu of two events, he’s decided to combine the unveiling of his fall 2025 haute couture collection with a celebration event at his Paris headquarters, which is a stone’s throw from the Opéra Garnier.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Think about this: Kids whose parents read to them daily are exposed to almost 300,000 more words before kindergarten than kids whose parents don’t read to them.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
12 May 2025
-
Suddenly, City are exposed, and Sarr squares the ball through for Eze to score.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Seven other colleagues had been arrested in January 2024 but were later acquitted into house arrest or released under travel bans.—
One Free Press Coalition,
Time,
1 May 2025
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Accused of being gang members Millan was moved to Bluebonnet in mid-April from the Stewart detention center in Lumpkin, Georgia, where he had been held since he was arrested by immigration agents in the Atlanta suburbs on March 12, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security official.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The game ended appropriately with Minnesota’s Naz Reid grabbing an offensive rebound off a Timberwolves missed free throw attempt and hugging the ball like Minnesota hugged this victory.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
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Marsh male warbler simultaneously serenades its partner while grabbing a quick snack.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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And in Game 5, Doncic injured his back, James knocked knees and Reaves struggled with his outside shot and ability to create separation off drives.—
Dan Woike,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
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The actor, then 20, was at home that day with his family in Pompano Beach, Fla., when detectives knocked on the door.—
Brianne Tracy,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Verb
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As for the best ping pong player in the clubhouse, that’s yet to be determined.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2025
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Currently, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Archaeologists have uncovered a tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian prince concealed behind a massive false granite door in the Saqqara necropolis, south of Cairo.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
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Archaeologists in Poland recently uncovered a centuries-old ring with enigmatic engravings.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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