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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nail-biter Bailey hears that theme from consumers who just aren’t in the mood for any more nail-biters. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025 The Musical Nicole Scherzinger — Sunset Blvd. Jennifer Simard — Death Becomes Her Everyone’s favorite category is even more of a nail-biter than usual! Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 June 2025 The team that started 5-0 while dominating Major League Rugby has slipped up down the stretch, losing matches like last week’s nail-biter at Seattle. Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025 For the Bengals, the Ravens matchup has been a tough one: Cincinnati has lost each of the past three games, including last year’s nail-biter, 35-34. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biter
thriller
Noun
  • Each movie will be 45-52 minutes in length and cover such genres as comedies and thrillers.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
  • Gaumont is known for producing Netflix’s thriller series Lupin, which premiered in January 2021, before the rules were in place.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biter. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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