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 Padres took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, moved to third on a single by Luis Arraez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Machado.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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While hitting 350 homers is a feat in itself, Judge reached the mark more quickly than former slugger Mark McGwire.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Every candidate has already been vetted for safety; A.I. can identify low-hanging fruit, and then humans can decide whether the pairing is ripe for picking.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
15 July 2025
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Believers may decide to refrain from voting or choose a third party because, in their view, neither majority candidate is acceptable.—
Esau McCaulley,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Nearly 20 years ago, Hurricane Katrina exposed critical failures in our disaster response system.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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In today's digital world, one careless click can expose everything.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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During the operation, agents arrested approximately 200 people suspected of being in the country illegally and identified at least 10 immigrant children on the sites.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
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The posts have since been removed, and federal agents arrested Herrera later that day.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Less than a month later, Monson knocked nearly 10 seconds off the American record at 10,000 meters, running 30:03.82 at The Ten, a Sound Running distance carnival in San Juan Capistrano.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
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On Saturday, the New York Yankees slugger knocked a ball over the outfield wall to reach the milestone.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The four semifinalists were determined based on point differential with the Raptors (+15.8), Thunder (+14.8), Hornets (+12.7) and Kings (+11.5) finishing ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (+9.5) and Atlanta Hawks (+8.0).—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
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His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of his death.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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But Microsoft's deeper investigation uncovered a bigger problem.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
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The changes address failures uncovered a year ago by the ProPublica/CBS News investigation.—
Cassandra Jaramillo,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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