Synonyms of nailing

nailing

verb

present participle of nail

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

• hitting
• knocking
• slapping
• smacking
• slamming
• punching
• banging
• whacking
• pounding
• striking
• clipping
• clapping
• cracking
• swiping
• batting
• hammering
• kicking
• tapping
• bashing
• thumping
• licking
• swatting
• pushing
• poking
• bobbing
• socking
• jabbing
• shoving
• chopping
• boxing
• clobbering
• rapping
• slugging
• clouting
• flicking
• belting
• zapping
• bopping
• clocking
• thwacking
• tagging
• pasting
• smiting
• busting
• bludgeoning
• stabbing
• walloping
• bonking
• slogging
• stroking
• bumping
• biffing
• whaling
• beating
• pummeling
• mangling
• battering
• peppering
• cuffing
• slashing
• stamping
• mauling
• lashing
• hanging one on
• roughing
• lambasting
• pelting
• whipping
• dumping
• butting
• bunging
• scuffing
• buffeting
• prodding
• bunting
• kneeing
• spearing
• decking
• drubbing
• switching
• lacing
• jostling
• sapping
• creaming
• pommeling
• flailing
• leveling
• flooring
• flogging
• braining
• felling
• clubbing
• bowling (down or over)
• cudgeling
• thrashing
• sledgehammering
• caning
• knocking down
• sledging
• conking
• skulling
• sucker punching
• beaning
• rabbit-punching

2

as in deciding

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute

this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deciding
• determining
• settling
• clinching
• defining
• clarifying
• proving
• establishing
• securing
• showing
• ensuring
• insuring
• assuring
• demonstrating
• specifying
• affirming
• illuminating
• stating
• finishing
• ending
• nailing (down)
• stipulating
• concluding
• clearing (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• muddling
• confusing
• unsettling
• muddying

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

• exposing
• uncovering
• demolishing
• undressing
• unmasking
• debunking
• disclosing
• discrediting
• showing up
• telling
• disproving
• blowing the whistle on
• uncloaking
• divulging
• unveiling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• masking
• disguising
• concealing
• hiding
• camouflaging
• secreting
• cloaking
• veiling

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

• arresting
• seizing
• grabbing
• apprehending
• restraining
• capturing
• detaining
• pinching
• nicking
• committing
• busting
• nabbing
• snatching
• catching
• running in
• collaring
• trapping
• jailing
• pulling in
• snaring
• hooking
• imprisoning
• bagging
• landing
• picking up
• confining
• grappling
• holding
• incarcerating
• handcuffing
• getting
• binding
• shackling
• snapping (up)
• locking (up)
• interning
• jugging
• fettering
• remanding
• trammeling
• enchaining
• immuring
• manacling
• rearresting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharging
• springing
• releasing
• freeing
• loosening
• liberating
• loosing
• emancipating
• unchaining
• unbinding

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

• grabbing
• catching
• snatching
• capturing
• seizing
• landing
• getting
• trapping
• snagging
• snaring
• hooking
• nabbing
• corralling
• bagging
• rapping
• grappling
• netting
• copping
• collaring
• taking hold (of)
• snapping (up)
• holding
• arresting
• roping
• nobbling
• glomming
• securing
• clutching
• grasping
• apprehending
• lassoing
• gripping
• detaining
• gloving
• clasping
• cornering
• kidnapping
• abducting
• entrapping
• rending
• baying
• wresting
• meshing
• haltering
• ensnaring
• latching (on or onto)
• entangling
• fisting
• fastening (on)
• enmeshing
• spiriting (away or off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missing
• releasing
• freeing
• discharging
• liberating
• dropping
• loosening
• unhanding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nailing

On petite frames, these hit a little lower on the thigh, nailing this season’s Bermuda shorts trend without swallowing shorter legs. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026

For Ellie Bamber, successfully capturing Kate Moss‘ effortless charm wasn’t just about nailing her voice, style, or any of the fashion icon’s mannerisms. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

Newer systems installed to modern FBC standards include stricter nailing patterns and improved secondary water barriers, which significantly improve a roof’s ability to hold up in high winds. —David Nye, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026

Yes, there can be an artistry to nailing the dough, balancing the sauce, and assembling a thoughtful or even surprising mix of high-quality toppings. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026

Clark scored 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting, making all nine of her free-throw attempts and nailing two 3-pointers. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026

The two-time All-Star heated up early on Friday night, nailing back-to-back 3-pointers in the second quarter, but for most of the game she was held in check — until the fourth quarter. —James Boyd, New York Times, 16 May 2026

And Morrone’s dedication to nailing the scene (and the entire series) paid off, eventually netting the rising actress her very first Emmy nom. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026

In addition to cleaning up the beer itself, nailing the flavor was another hurdle. —James Manso, Footwear News, 8 May 2026