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
Sticking within similar tones of denim is the key to nailing this approach, and adding a coordinating bag or shoe helps bring it home.
—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
19 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Croatia came close to nailing the equalizer in the 76th minute, but Jordan Pickford came up with the huge save.
—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Balor was in control toward the end of the match, nailing his finisher on Jimmy Uso.
—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Together, Pascale and Katzmann dart after heart-sinking feelings, shooting their arrows and nailing life to the wall.
—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
In the confusion, Paula is able to subdue Sky by nailing his hand to the ground and then sprays Ashley in the face with the dry shampoo before fleeing the scene.
—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Another episode, directed by Andrew DeYoung, sees Tom accidentally ingest potent hallucinogenic mushrooms, with Rhys nailing absurdist humor and a haunting flashback.
—
Emma Fraser,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
For all of the criticism that is laid against the racing action — or lack of — in Monaco due to the difficulty of overtaking as a result of those tight confines with big, modern cars, nailing a qualifying lap here requires an immense level of skill.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 June 2026
Staff Author,
InStyle,
19 June 2026
Wetterberg is still nailing her cheerleading routines deep into her pregnancy!
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Croatia came close to nailing the equalizer in the 76th minute, but Jordan Pickford came up with the huge save.
—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Balor was in control toward the end of the match, nailing his finisher on Jimmy Uso.
—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Together, Pascale and Katzmann dart after heart-sinking feelings, shooting their arrows and nailing life to the wall.
—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
In the confusion, Paula is able to subdue Sky by nailing his hand to the ground and then sprays Ashley in the face with the dry shampoo before fleeing the scene.
—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Another episode, directed by Andrew DeYoung, sees Tom accidentally ingest potent hallucinogenic mushrooms, with Rhys nailing absurdist humor and a haunting flashback.
—
Emma Fraser,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
For all of the criticism that is laid against the racing action — or lack of — in Monaco due to the difficulty of overtaking as a result of those tight confines with big, modern cars, nailing a qualifying lap here requires an immense level of skill.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
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Given the quick-hitting nature of the early morning showers, along with the very isolated nature of afternoon storms, not much rain is expected Friday.
-
After slashing its Scope 3 carbon emissions by 20 percent from a 2019 baseline and hitting its target five years ahead of schedule, the Uniqlo parent company has raised the stakes, aiming for an additional 10 percent reduction by 2030.
Verb
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In deciding to be cautious in handling two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan’s return to action for the first time since August 2023 by skipping his turn in the rotation, the Rays put some extra work on their relievers by designating Saturday as a bullpen game.
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But being heard is not the same as being placed in the position of deciding between parents.
Verb
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Inflation's rising costs, from gas to groceries, disproportionately burden Black men, exposing deep economic vulnerabilities.
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Venus in Virgo, however, will clash with Mars in Gemini on July 29, exposing tension between what sounds exciting and what actually makes sense.
Verb
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An Observer reporter witnessed officers arresting one individual wearing a custom face mask and another who was placed in the back of a police four-wheeler.
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Making a comeback on the Milan men’s calendar after a decade’s absence and under new ownership, Caruso made a big impression with its breezy and slyly nonchalant tailoring done up in an arresting array of unusual colors.
Verb
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The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
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According to Sangrio, the video appears to show Matthew Cox, O'Toole's then-attendant, striking the 60-year-old with a broom, punching him and grabbing him by the neck.
Verb
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Newsom’s office said that along with the FBI, agents from the IRS have been knocking on doors and asking questions.
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After knocking the trash can down, the bear easily shoved its arms inside.
Verb
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But determining how long to keep the money in the account will require some work, as each saver's goals are different.
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If multiple fires are burning at once, real-time data is crucial to determining response.
Verb
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While scientists are still uncovering the full extent of these connections, growing evidence suggests that the skeleton is integrated with the rest of the body rather than functioning as an isolated structure.
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Already, internet sleuths are uncovering the exact items worn by the characters, and there’s a fan base quickly building for the beauty looks as well.
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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