as in thrillers
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-biters
Although there have been hundreds of close calls and nail-biters, there have been some comebacks that feel like a movie come to life.
—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
The Avs, who won the President’s Trophy with the league’s best regular-season record, opened the playoffs with a pair of 2-1 nail-biters over the Kings.
—
ABC News,
4 May 2026
The Music Box continues its series celebrating nail-biters centered on prison breaks.
—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
There's been thrillers, nail-biters, and a couple of upsets in the men's tournament.
—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Frank Micelotta / Disney The race for best actor was one of the night’s true nail-biters.
—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
16 Mar. 2026
But winning fewer than 40% of those nail-biters is the stuff that can become a habit.
—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
16 Mar. 2026
Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth.
—
Tori Crowther,
Refinery29,
29 Jan. 2026
For the gym-goers and habitual nail-biters in your life, this is an essential gift.
—
The Editors,
Outside,
14 Nov. 2025
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
The Avs, who won the President’s Trophy with the league’s best regular-season record, opened the playoffs with a pair of 2-1 nail-biters over the Kings.
—
ABC News,
4 May 2026
The Music Box continues its series celebrating nail-biters centered on prison breaks.
—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
There's been thrillers, nail-biters, and a couple of upsets in the men's tournament.
—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Frank Micelotta / Disney The race for best actor was one of the night’s true nail-biters.
—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
16 Mar. 2026
But winning fewer than 40% of those nail-biters is the stuff that can become a habit.
—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
16 Mar. 2026
Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth.
—
Tori Crowther,
Refinery29,
29 Jan. 2026
For the gym-goers and habitual nail-biters in your life, this is an essential gift.
—
The Editors,
Outside,
14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biters
thrillers
Noun
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Below is a selection of powerful reads for every taste, ranging from spine-tingling thrillers to poignant reflections on American history, swoony romance and everything in between.
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Known for twisty, psychological thrillers with dark themes, tragedies, time jumps and lightning-fast pacing, Coben's books and shows have captivated audiences for years.
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biters. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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