as in tense
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of nail-biting
This movie’s nail-biting, sorrowful power comes from what internalized destruction looks like.
—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Over the weekend, the World Cup kicked off its monthlong series of games, but more importantly, in a 4-1 nail-biting series win, the New York Knicks took home their first NBA championship in 53 years.
—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
Qatar are coming off an even more nail-biting finish.
—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
18 June 2026
The New York Knicks have finally snagged the NBA championship title after a nail-biting win against the San Antonio Spurs this past weekend.
—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
In a nail-biting game that went down to the final second, the Knicks secured a 107-106 victory, coming back from 76-49 at halftime.
—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
That’s the question at the heart of Hulu’s nail-biting new crime thriller, Furious.
—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13.
—
Space.com Staff,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
Then on Sunday, after freshman Alexis Jensen’s dominant showing in the circle, Frahm closed out the Huskers’ nail-biting 1-0 win.
—
Molly Keshin,
New York Times,
19 May 2026
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Over the weekend, the World Cup kicked off its monthlong series of games, but more importantly, in a 4-1 nail-biting series win, the New York Knicks took home their first NBA championship in 53 years.
—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
Qatar are coming off an even more nail-biting finish.
—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
18 June 2026
The New York Knicks have finally snagged the NBA championship title after a nail-biting win against the San Antonio Spurs this past weekend.
—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
In a nail-biting game that went down to the final second, the Knicks secured a 107-106 victory, coming back from 76-49 at halftime.
—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
That’s the question at the heart of Hulu’s nail-biting new crime thriller, Furious.
—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13.
—
Space.com Staff,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
Then on Sunday, after freshman Alexis Jensen’s dominant showing in the circle, Frahm closed out the Huskers’ nail-biting 1-0 win.
—
Molly Keshin,
New York Times,
19 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biting
Adjective
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Total Football’s nearly moment It has largely been forgotten now, but the superb Total Football-playing Dutch team from the 1974 World Cup almost didn’t qualify for the competition — only pipping neighbours Belgium on goal difference following a tense 0-0 draw between the sides.
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At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians.
Adjective
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As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
-
Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Adjective
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That normalization may be the most disturbing aspect of all.
-
Although the project is unlikely to affect Jackson’s popularity much, some of the revelations uncovered during the investigation are disturbing.
Adjective
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The New York Times reported that multiple women who once dated Platner described the Maine oysterman’s behavior as intimidating and unsettling.
-
This move, by a native of the attention economy, signals a growing trend of users actively disengaging, unsettling consumer investors.
Adjective
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Though fans are anxious to see Andrade return to more events, her job in Rio is done.
-
Homeless, his body torn, Odysseus needs to get back to her and Telemachus, his anxious son, and to clean up the mess.
Adjective
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Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
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The low unemployment rate had made many economists nervous, including some on the Fed.
Adjective
-
Local legends speak of restless spirits, mysterious voices, and supernatural activity, although many claims are impossible to verify.
-
James Boyard, a Haitian police officer and security expert, was abducted Thursday morning in Raimbol in the Bourdon neighborhood as the family traveled through the capital to see a doctor after a restless night caring for their sick daughter.
Adjective
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The central item in the second collection was the Puma x Nahmias Speedcat, a low-profile racing shoe updated with suede overlays, light distressing and co-branded detailing.
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The Physical And Mental Toll Of Protecting Wildlife Ranger work is physically challenging, often emotionally distressing, but essential.
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biting. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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