1
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
the boxer nailed his opponent with a devastating left hook
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to expose
to reveal the true nature of
an investigative report that nailed the teenage novelist as someone who had plagiarized the works of others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the very first time I tried to steal anything, I got nailed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
the running back saw the pass coming in and nailed it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nail
When Cadeau nailed their first 3-pointer in 12 attempts seven minutes into the half, Michigan suddenly had an 11-point lead and was in control for the first time.
—
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Immediately after Heckel’s make, Quinonez nailed a 3-pointer of her own, and Fudd finally got one of her signature deep shots to drop after starting 0-for-4.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
The Bruins’ main focus is on nailing details and to be present during every moment of their routines to score every possible point.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
But Selena Gomez’s six-year-old brand hasn’t nailed the complexion category—yet.
—Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Immediately after Heckel’s make, Quinonez nailed a 3-pointer of her own, and Fudd finally got one of her signature deep shots to drop after starting 0-for-4.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
The Bruins’ main focus is on nailing details and to be present during every moment of their routines to score every possible point.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
But Selena Gomez’s six-year-old brand hasn’t nailed the complexion category—yet.
—Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The Devil Wears Prada 2 is expected to hit theaters on May 1.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But Edwards hit a 3-pointer a few seconds later to push the lead to 135-128 and send the home fans streaming toward the exits.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Chicago has a 13-32 record in games decided by at least 10 points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
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What Santa Clara County decides in the coming months will not stay within our borders.—
Maria Noel Fernandez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Marble and glass surfaces abound, as do velvet fabrics, rugs, and exposed (original) terra cotta floors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Orbán has wielded unprecedented veto power to block EU decisions on Ukraine aid, sanctions and critical issues, exposing what critics call a design flaw.—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Game warden testifies about arresting Horner Texas Game Warden Josh Espinoza was the first witness to testify on Wednesday morning.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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In 2022, a prominent former member of the national team was arrested for allegedly protesting against the country's leadership.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mornings tend to revolve around Regatta Buffet, or, for something lighter and more grab-and-go, Café Madeleine or Bahama Bagel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Feel daring, attention-grabbing and unapologetically you.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Owens knocked on the door several times and demanded that Lorincz come outside.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
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Once again, the Huskies wouldn't quit, as Mullins finally found his shot beyond the arc, knocking that Michigan lead back to single digits with a follow-up three-pointer again to Lendeborg's layups.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The group also may simulate visits during these evaluations, to determine how the dogs and handlers deal with certain situations.—
Mikayla Bunnell,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
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Only the first four picks of the draft are determined by the lottery drawing, with the rest of the first round determined by inverse order of record.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What investigators uncovered was a complex attack involving blockchain infrastructure, malware that functions across various platforms, and thousands of software developers and the companies that hire them.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
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Reporting from Colorado News 9 in 2025 uncovered that Flock Safety had operated a pilot program that allowed federal agencies, such as Customs and Border Protection, to send invites to local law enforcement agencies.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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