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
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
Thankfully, Powell and Mattfeld are pros, nailing the pitch and catch on both takes.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Two of Chicago's four wins have come in late-game situations against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, either by blocking the opponents' field goal attempt or nailing one after a big defensive play.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
But Crowe was set on nailing one particular scene, where Hudson’s character, the groupie Penny Lane, attempts suicide by overdosing on quaaludes.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
At the end, though, kicker Wil Lutz played the hero, nailing a walk-off 39-yarder through the uprights as time expired.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailing the game-winning, 33-yard field goal as time expired.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
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
Thankfully, Powell and Mattfeld are pros, nailing the pitch and catch on both takes.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Two of Chicago's four wins have come in late-game situations against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, either by blocking the opponents' field goal attempt or nailing one after a big defensive play.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
But Crowe was set on nailing one particular scene, where Hudson’s character, the groupie Penny Lane, attempts suicide by overdosing on quaaludes.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
At the end, though, kicker Wil Lutz played the hero, nailing a walk-off 39-yarder through the uprights as time expired.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailing the game-winning, 33-yard field goal as time expired.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
-
In another, criminals used synthetic voices to convince Qantas call-center staff to release internal credentials, exposing the data of 6 million customers.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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Letting a fever rage unchecked, on the other hand, means exposing the fetus to harmful substances produced as the mother fights off her infection.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Start with one of Alexandra Llewellyn’s exquisite, handmade board games, which turns chess or backgammon into a feast for the eyes, so tactile and arresting, tempting you to play just one more game.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
11 Nov. 2025
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The video shows immigration agents arresting a man later identified as Dennis Quiñonez, as people shout that there is a child in the back of the car.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The 5-11 200-pound standout has accumulated mind-boggling stats through nine games -- 1,098 rushing yards and 17 TDs while grabbing a team-leading 42 passes for 974 yards and 18 scores.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
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Nikola Jokic put up 26 points on 12 of 15 shooting, while also dishing out nine assists and grabbing nine rebounds.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The right words can open doors the heart’s been knocking on for a while.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Once the buzz starts, fringe brands come knocking.—
Chris Cardillo,
Rolling Stone,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The investigators found that Tarrant County Jail personnel acted in accordance with jail policies after determining Phillips was in medical distress.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
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Sacramento County coroner’s officials had not yet positively identified McClintic and were determining what caused the man’s death.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Since then, research into the disease and its origins has expanded significantly, uncovering genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may contribute to its onset and progression.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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Elphaba, meanwhile, uncovering the Wizard and Madame Morrible's nefarious plot, defies them all — and gravity in the process — breaking out of the Emerald City on broomstick and whizzing off into sunset.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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