1
as in hitting
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 deciding
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 exposing
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 arresting
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 grabbing
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 nailing
So what’s the key to nailing the kitsch look in your home decor?
—
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
In the twilight photo, the Too Much actress leaned up against a fence while nailing the office siren aesthetic.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Undeniably technical and not for the faint-hearted, these up-dos demand precision and a sharp eye—bravo to Cho for nailing the brief time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
That's why the stakes can feel especially high for nailing the color in this room.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
The Pro Bowl is, of course, only one measure of individual success — and a subjective one at that — but nailing these selections is undoubtedly a sign of Seattle’s progress.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025
For me, the feeling of nailing a big, screen-clearing combo while the music swells to a crescendo is well worth the grind.
—PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, Carolina upset the Packers, 16-13, with Fitzgerald nailing the game-winning 49-yarder.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
On the fifth attempt, Jeppe Tverskov also sent his shot too high, nailing the crossbar and leaving the door open for Portland.
—Austin White, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
In the twilight photo, the Too Much actress leaned up against a fence while nailing the office siren aesthetic.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Undeniably technical and not for the faint-hearted, these up-dos demand precision and a sharp eye—bravo to Cho for nailing the brief time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
That's why the stakes can feel especially high for nailing the color in this room.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
The Pro Bowl is, of course, only one measure of individual success — and a subjective one at that — but nailing these selections is undoubtedly a sign of Seattle’s progress.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025
For me, the feeling of nailing a big, screen-clearing combo while the music swells to a crescendo is well worth the grind.
—PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, Carolina upset the Packers, 16-13, with Fitzgerald nailing the game-winning 49-yarder.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
On the fifth attempt, Jeppe Tverskov also sent his shot too high, nailing the crossbar and leaving the door open for Portland.
—Austin White, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
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The 49ers went three and out on their next two possessions and were unsuccessful on throws outside the numbers after hitting the middle of the field with three completions on the scoring drive.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
After hitting just 4 of 30 threes against the Pacers, Miami opened 4 for 4 from distance, shot 8 for 16 on threes in the first half and finished 17 for 32.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft grounded pending further inspection, following UPS and FedEx each deciding to ground the planes that make up part of their cargo fleet.—
NPR,
NPR,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will take part in a showdown this Sunday at Levi's Stadium that could possibly end up deciding who finishes first in the NFC West.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Authorities warn that such attacks require little specialist knowledge but can have dramatic and far-reaching consequences, exposing vulnerabilities in densely interconnected urban infrastructure.—
Anna Noryskiewicz,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
-
As a result, the department must now either define a narrower project that fits within the constraints of existing law or pursue legislative authorization — potentially exposing the project to greater political risk and public scrutiny.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The arresting officer’s injuries did not require medical attention, Frasier told the Idaho Statesman by email.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The government is also still cracking down on dissent, arresting people for celebrating Maduro’s capture.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Take after the actress by grabbing them in black, or choose from six additional colors, including burgundy and deep brown.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Healthy cooking often boils down to accessibility and convenience; busy lives can leave people grabbing less nutritious alternatives.—
Virginia Willis,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The right words can open doors the heart’s been knocking on for a while.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Once the buzz starts, fringe brands come knocking.—
Chris Cardillo,
Rolling Stone,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Mavericks big man will seek multiple opinions before determining the best course of action to treat the hand sprain.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Smith said the administration is still determining what schools the students would be reassigned to based on the availability of bilingual and special education programs and the proximity to current Blanton students.—
Rachel Royster
January 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Local journalism, formerly the institution most responsible for uncovering wrongdoing, has been gutted.—
Brandon Rottinghaus,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The researchers are hopeful that uncovering the processes preceding Alzheimer’s disease could one day lead to new therapies.—
Isabella Backman,
Hartford Courant,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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