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
Of nailing one’s excuses to their own crosses and leaving them there.
—
Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The Bruins’ main focus is on nailing details and to be present during every moment of their routines to score every possible point.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Oddly enough, it was first popularized by Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey doing it in 2024 and unintentionally nailing a cheerleader in the head on the sideline in the process.
—Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Mullins raised both arms in celebration of nailing the game-winning shot for UConn, creating a memorable moment that will forever be remembered as part of basketball history.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
That’s what Liv Ciara did on the Monday (March 30) episode of The Voice, singing coach Kelly Clarkson‘s own hit in front of the star and nailing it.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
Two seasons ago, the Cavaliers guard broke their hearts in dramatic fashion by nailing a game-winner from well beyond half court.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
As the cameras flashed, Zendaya effortlessly transitioned from one position to the next, nailing every pose.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
So what’s the key to nailing this elevated style in your home this year?
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The Bruins’ main focus is on nailing details and to be present during every moment of their routines to score every possible point.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Oddly enough, it was first popularized by Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey doing it in 2024 and unintentionally nailing a cheerleader in the head on the sideline in the process.
—Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Mullins raised both arms in celebration of nailing the game-winning shot for UConn, creating a memorable moment that will forever be remembered as part of basketball history.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
That’s what Liv Ciara did on the Monday (March 30) episode of The Voice, singing coach Kelly Clarkson‘s own hit in front of the star and nailing it.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
Two seasons ago, the Cavaliers guard broke their hearts in dramatic fashion by nailing a game-winner from well beyond half court.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
As the cameras flashed, Zendaya effortlessly transitioned from one position to the next, nailing every pose.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
So what’s the key to nailing this elevated style in your home this year?
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
-
Shannon scored 29 points in the second half, hitting five of seven 3-point shots.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc said Pages has become one of the team’s most regular users of the Trajekt machine – and Skenes is a frequent visitor.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Stars made sacrificial effort plays that could convince most spectators this was a playoff showdown — Jamal Murray diving into the second row to save a loose ball, Aaron Gordon developing a limp then playing through it to guard De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama on game-deciding possessions.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Daily use and care should also be considered when deciding whether to toss or keep.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Protect your boundaries with care, explain what is comfortable, and suggest another way to support everyone without exposing too many details.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Detectives with the Broward Sheriff's Office are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect seen on video assaulting a woman while exposing himself publicly in Weston on Wednesday afternoon.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Game warden testifies about arresting Horner Texas Game Warden Josh Espinoza was the first witness to testify on Wednesday morning.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This granted local police the right to assist immigration officials in arresting and detaining unauthorized immigrants.—
Menika Dirkson,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He is then seen slowly approaching the victim, checking his surroundings, and removing his shoes before grabbing her from behind.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Reaves, meanwhile, spent much of the first quarter grabbing at his back.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bridgewater Police Officer Marc-Stephen Hutchins then arrived and started knocking on the door as well.—
Penny Kmitt,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Stockyards is knocking it out of the park, the Near Southside is growing with hospital and hotel development, and new construction is under way in the West 7th District, Taft said.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In California, gubernatorial primaries place candidates from both parties on the same ballot, with the top two determining the final two candidates.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Ripps and Cahen successfully appealed, with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturning the decision last July and determining that a trial was necessary to determine if Ripps’s NFTs actually infringed Yuga’s trademarks.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While Kennedy's teaser focuses on uncovering lies, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said the show will aim to cover affordability and other topics that polls show are salient for American voters of both parties ahead of the midterms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
No closer to uncovering the truth, the investigation stalled.—
Jeff Capellini,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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