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
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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
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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
Milan and Roma nailed the first part.
—
James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
With delicate buttons down the front and a chic square-neck, this top nails the bohemian vibe, and is only made trendier with the addition of lace trim.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026
After the match, an enraged Fatu attacked Reigns and nailed the referee with a pop-up Samoan Drop.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Thus far, her takeaway from the Cudi tour moment has been to rhetorically nail herself to the cross she's been carrying.
—Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
With delicate buttons down the front and a chic square-neck, this top nails the bohemian vibe, and is only made trendier with the addition of lace trim.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026
After the match, an enraged Fatu attacked Reigns and nailed the referee with a pop-up Samoan Drop.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Thus far, her takeaway from the Cudi tour moment has been to rhetorically nail herself to the cross she's been carrying.
—Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
-
Andy Pages hit a three-run home run and Max Muncy hit his 12th homer of the season on the next at-bat to break a scoreless game in the fourth inning.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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For cocktails and nightlife, hit TopGolf or Nola’s for live music then end the night strong with a table at HQ nightclub where resident and guest DJs keep the dance floor bumping and bottle servers keep the bubbly and energy flowing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Daniella Segura California is weeks away from its June primary, in which voters will decide which gubernatorial candidates will face off in the November general election.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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This is the third time Weinstein has been tried for a charge of third-degree rape; Judge Curtis Farber gave prosecutors 30 days to decide whether he will be tried a fourth time.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The fourth was not a cruise passenger but was exposed to an ill passenger from the ship on an aircraft in South Africa.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
Seeing ballroom be recognized so prominently has been a source of pride, but also trepidation that the wider audiences now being exposed to ballroom may not appreciate the nuances of the culture.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
Verb
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On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Dulce Dayana Hernandez Jimenez, 28, was arrested Tuesday at JFK Airport after a flight from Mexico, police said.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Executives said the focus this year has been on grabbing the biggest audiences and on how artificial intelligence is improving data and outcomes.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
-
Reid played a big role in the season-saving quarter as well, scoring six points, grabbing three boards and picking up two assists, including a no-look dish to Gobert for a dunk with three minutes to play.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The puck had just slipped through Poehling’s skates when McNabb crunched Poehling into the boards, knocking him out for the rest of the game and prompting an official review.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Jones’ challenge has forced Thompson to match his fundraising and door-knocking efforts — both candidates have raised roughly $3 million, their campaigns said.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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This time, the director was determined not to cut corners, to make a film as maximalist as his imagination.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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The choice is vast, yet experienced brokers are quick to point out that specifications alone rarely determine a successful charter.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Cadaver dogs had previously alerted to the scent of human remains in the backyard, but earlier searches did not uncover a body.—
Doug Dunbar,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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After uncovering what the issue was following an 18-month mystery, the actress underwent multiple vocal cord surgeries and finally got an implant.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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