as in thriller
something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
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Recent Examples of nail-biter
House Democratic leaders are slated to hold a press conference as their counterparts in the Senate face down a nail-biter vote on government funding.
—
The Hill Staff, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
The senior scored 33 points and 14 rebounds as SRV took down Oakland Tech 77-74 in an overtime nail-biter.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
The latest is Hulu’s Paradise, which is a real nail-biter from start to finish.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But her 2024 election to the Senate was, if possible, even more of a nail-biter.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
The Hill Staff, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
The senior scored 33 points and 14 rebounds as SRV took down Oakland Tech 77-74 in an overtime nail-biter.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
The latest is Hulu’s Paradise, which is a real nail-biter from start to finish.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But her 2024 election to the Senate was, if possible, even more of a nail-biter.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biter
thriller
Noun
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Repulsion and Rosemary’s Baby have both been cited as influences on the film, which is described as a thriller, but which Lawrence has also said will be funny.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
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As for the Giants, Sunday saw the team drop an extra-innings thriller against the Twins, losing 7-6.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biter. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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