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
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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
Few writers have nailed the interpersonal thriller better than Kitamura.
—
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The Reds are hitting .267/.348/.406 with a lead, .237/.311/.405 when tied and .223/.295/.369 when behind.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
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That's because the bill also includes a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling, a measure that must be approved in order to prevent a catastrophic default on the country's debt that could hit sometime in August.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Verb
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The Court found that the IRS was correct in its decision to revoke tax-exempt status, but the case was not decided until 1983.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
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For now, he’s decided attending university is the best path, but opted to spend his first year of school in Rome to deepen his spirituality.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
Verb
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While two siblings are interned and forced to work, cut off from the outside world, the other two are exempt and work to expose the horrors of the camps.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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Kudos to to Marcotte and her team for doing so, and for reminding us to expose behavioral interventions to the rigors of science.—
Peter Ubel,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Officers went to the townhouse and arrested Woeltz, who is charged with assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a gun.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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On March 8, 1990, when Lyle was arrested in connection with their parents' murders, Erik was competing in a tennis tournament in Israel.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Amid the fighting, one boy punched another in the face, knocking him to the ground, and then began punching several other children.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
Verb
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While the results of the analyses will help determine the truth of Fourmanoir’s claims, one other possibility remains: The portrait could be a collaborative work by both Gauguin and Ky-Dong.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Participants will wade in the creek, kicking the gravel bottom to release aquatic animals to identify and determine water quality of the creek.—
Flip Putthoff,
Arkansas Online,
20 May 2025
Verb
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By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
24 May 2025
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Yet many brands still struggle to uncover individual identities amid a flood of disconnected data and technology, and the pace of change is only accelerating.—
Acxiom Contributor,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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