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
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 nailing
Suggs missed his first eight shots before nailing a 3-pointer from the corner for an 85-80 lead.
—
ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Along with nailing the transfer portal, of course.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Jambert says the key to nailing the modern take on the movement is to seek a balance between the two.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
But according to designers, nailing the maximalist look does require some restraint, especially for knick-knack collectors and those who love to save a buck by opting for more modest-sized rugs and art.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Rolex’s sailing watch is a count-down chronograph with a programmable timing function for the difficult task of nailing the start of a sailing race.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Capable of nailing the extraordinary, but messing up the mundane.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Of nailing one’s excuses to their own crosses and leaving them there.
—Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Along with nailing the transfer portal, of course.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Jambert says the key to nailing the modern take on the movement is to seek a balance between the two.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
But according to designers, nailing the maximalist look does require some restraint, especially for knick-knack collectors and those who love to save a buck by opting for more modest-sized rugs and art.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Rolex’s sailing watch is a count-down chronograph with a programmable timing function for the difficult task of nailing the start of a sailing race.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Capable of nailing the extraordinary, but messing up the mundane.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Of nailing one’s excuses to their own crosses and leaving them there.
—Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
-
For any questions, ranging from recommendations for hitting the town to extra amenities needed, the lobby desk was always readily available and seemed genuinely happy to help.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Valdez has received a six-game suspension and a fine for an undisclosed amount after hitting Story in the back with a 94-mph fastball with the first pitch of the at-bat, MLB announced Wednesday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Now, the longtime CEO wakes up to a blank outlook calendar; Hartz sold her company in a $500 million exit, and is deciding on her next chapter in the wake of parting ways with her brainchild.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
-
Bowman noted the authority is guided by state law and case law in its decisions and deciding what is just and reasonable by a preponderance of evidence.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Later, the Moon squares the Sun, exposing tension between social momentum and personal comfort.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Video recovered from the cameras show 18 people in various stages of disrobement, exposing genitalia and going to the toilet, including a minor and two infants.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Most television journalists had fled Baghdad but CNN stayed, capturing arresting images of a war’s outbreak.—
David Bauder,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage in the hopes of tracking down and arresting the shooter.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Other complaints had to do with the Puerto Rican rap star grabbing his crotch, and with two dancers who allegedly grabbed each other's breasts (which, if true, is a wild dance move).—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
-
Particularly since the savings made in service-staff costs and brick-and-mortar bar space, not to mention the affordability of buying booze here in China's RMB currency, aren't that far off grabbing a can or bottle from a nearby 24-hour convenience store.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Summer is knocking at the door.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
Not a dog barking or a feral cat knocking the lid off the garbage.—
Ellen Bass,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The California Department of Housing and Community Development sets general housing goals for a region, determining how many units at what affordability levels are necessary.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
-
The judge also made clear the scope of a preliminary hearing is limited, focused on whether prosecutors can establish probable cause, not determining guilt or innocence, but said the defense still needs sufficient time to prepare given the volume of material.—
Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Abbott sealed the code to uncovering the true values of the masses in an envelope, and Schlamminger performed the experiment without ever opening it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
-
Rather than relying solely on observations, researchers can now experiment within detailed virtual universes — adjusting physical assumptions, testing predictions and uncovering patterns that might otherwise remain hidden.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
