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
What’s one piece that was really important to nail?
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
To the late-night host's surprise, the duo nailed almost every singer after a single listen — Cynthia Erivo, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey — prompting Meyers to take quite a few shots.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Greaidea Mid-rise Barrel Jeans Barrel jeans are one of fall’s hottest trends and the Graeidea mid-rise pants nail the look for less than $50.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
The key to nailing this look without veering into kitsch, says Kehoe, is to establish a foundation with color and texture, then add in unique items that reflect your personal style.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
To the late-night host's surprise, the duo nailed almost every singer after a single listen — Cynthia Erivo, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey — prompting Meyers to take quite a few shots.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Greaidea Mid-rise Barrel Jeans Barrel jeans are one of fall’s hottest trends and the Graeidea mid-rise pants nail the look for less than $50.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
The key to nailing this look without veering into kitsch, says Kehoe, is to establish a foundation with color and texture, then add in unique items that reflect your personal style.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
-
If Nix had set his feet while hitting on just one of three more wide-open heaves against the Bolts, the Broncos are 2-1 — and the AFC West is thrown into beautiful chaos.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Barnes turned up the heat on Archbishop Williams (4-3) as well with her powerful outside hitting.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The fun begins as the other housewives arrive, unaware that the studio has decided to stage a role-playing scenario to test their readiness.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
-
After Xaverian missed a go-ahead 36-yard field goal attempt to end the third, Staine decided to begin the fourth and final quarter with one of his signature Hail Mary shots.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Following Kirk’s death, some speculated that his killer Tyler Robinson may have been exposed to these subcultures, but no credible evidence links him to the Groypers.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
CQDs have a special ability to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
McIver was arrested on charges of assaulting a federal officer while attempting to enter.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
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Investigators still seek information about the suspects Ramos' fingerprints were found in an investigative case file by the Special Investigations Unit, and a match came back to a Maria Ortiz, who was arrested for shoplifting in Bakersfield, California, in June 1989.—
Alexandra Hardle,
AZCentral.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On third-and-9 from the 50, Murray threw a contested pass that receiver Zay Jones couldn’t grab.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Thomas grabbed her husband’s ashes and some cash before trying to rescue her German shepherd, Storm, her companion of more than six years.—
Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Upon hearing the officers knock on the window, Jeremy unlocked the SUV and got out.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
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To help determine how to train and prepare workers, the company is tracking job types to see which increase, decrease and hold steady.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Water, despite its familiarity, still hides phases and behaviors waiting to be uncovered.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Sep. 2025
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The research also uncovered gender-specific patterns in the AI model outputs while measuring how often the AI models provided culturally appropriate responses that aligned with taarof expectations.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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