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
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
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
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
However, the outcome was decided in the most unexpected way: Nicklaus bogeyed the hole, but Palmer couldn't take advantage of it and carded a double bogey, sealing a three-stroke victory for Nicklaus.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
-
Those include the major questions doctrine, which says Congress needs to give clear authorization for federal agencies to decide issues of major economic significance, and the nondelegation doctrine, which holds that Congress can't delegate its legislative power to the executive branch.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The suit seeks justice for the survivors and aims to expose systemic failures in the juvenile justice system.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Officers are seen getting out, moving Taylor to the ground and arresting him.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 May 2025
-
Since then, she’s knocked on my door and continues to text me with questions, without a please or thank you.—
Eric Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Wakanda Forever, the show follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a young genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Phone surveys, electronic health records and the Social Security Death Index were used to determine whether cardiac events or deaths from any cause had occurred up to one year after hospital discharge.—
American Heart Association News,
Boston Herald,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share