Synonyms of nail-biter

nail-biter

noun

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thriller
• suspenser
• cliff-hanger
• hair-raiser
• squeaker
• photo finish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blowout
• yawner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail-biter

There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 June 2026

After falling behind 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat then won four straight games to earn its first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the deciding game a 95-92 nail-biter on June 20, 2006, in which Wade finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds and was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP. — James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Coming off a win in Friday’s nail-biter, Brasher and Cruz clinched a 15-10 win in set one off a late surge, finishing on a 6-1 run. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026

The game was a nail-biter, with the Knicks trailing the Spurs by nearly 30 points at the first half, only to come back in the second half and win in the last minute of the game by one point. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026