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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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-biters
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
As spooky season approaches, there’s no better time than now to revisit these classic nail-biters—and revel in their impeccable period styling.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
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
As spooky season approaches, there’s no better time than now to revisit these classic nail-biters—and revel in their impeccable period styling.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biters
thrillers
Noun
-
The final nail in the coffin may have been Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, a 2012 juggernaut that primed the public for twisty, femme-centric thrillers—a hunger that still hasn’t faded.—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
4 May 2026
-
In addition to acting, Collins was also a novelist, authoring psychosexual thrillers Eye Contact and Double Exposure.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biters. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
