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
As such the key challenge is in nailing the underlying AI interaction experience, not just the AI pin’s hardware.
—
Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
One of the main elements in creating a comfortable environment for guests in your home is nailing the perfect thermostat temperature.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026
John Gracey is best at nailing the sitcom-like aspects of his character, Beau’s brother.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The key is nailing a high-low mix that elevates everyday staples with smart details.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2026
With Variety, Rheon and Harrison talk about finding their voices for Lupin and Pettigrew, nailing how to pronounce Voldemort and more.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026
And the difference between absolutely nailing a passage and creating a feeling of transcendent gloriousness in the concert hall and abject failure is usually about a millimeter.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Essentially, the key to nailing Sink’s effortless look is to stick to a medium-wash denim in the rise and cut of your choosing.
—Jordan Julian, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Undeniably technical and not for the faint-hearted, these up-dos demand precision and a sharp eye—bravo to Cho for nailing the brief time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
One of the main elements in creating a comfortable environment for guests in your home is nailing the perfect thermostat temperature.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026
John Gracey is best at nailing the sitcom-like aspects of his character, Beau’s brother.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The key is nailing a high-low mix that elevates everyday staples with smart details.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2026
With Variety, Rheon and Harrison talk about finding their voices for Lupin and Pettigrew, nailing how to pronounce Voldemort and more.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026
And the difference between absolutely nailing a passage and creating a feeling of transcendent gloriousness in the concert hall and abject failure is usually about a millimeter.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Essentially, the key to nailing Sink’s effortless look is to stick to a medium-wash denim in the rise and cut of your choosing.
—Jordan Julian, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Undeniably technical and not for the faint-hearted, these up-dos demand precision and a sharp eye—bravo to Cho for nailing the brief time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
-
Gold extended its relentless rally on Thursday, crossing past $5,500 per ounce and hitting another record high.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
-
After Read discovered him dead in his former colleague's front yard, she was subsequently accused of hitting him with her SUV, sparking not one, but two lengthy and high-profile trials.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the 2026 midterms approach, affordability will again be the deciding issue among voters.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Prior to that game-deciding drive, Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense needed to respond to the Eagles’ field goal that made the score read 19-17 on the Jumbotron at Lincoln Financial Field in favor of the home team.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The 20-1 Bruins struggled against Illinois despite winning 80-67, exposing execution issues the team aims to address.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Curated by Simon Angel, the Sustainable Innovations section spotlighted new design principles and materials while exposing traditional designers and textile manufacturers to innovative techniques and perspectives—sparking conversation, inspiration, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Krasner noted immigration agents have been keeping tabs on courthouse proceedings, targeting and arresting people usually just outside the buildings.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
-
That was the campaign promise, but the reality this past year has been far different with the obvious and well-documented fact that ICE has been trawling around arresting people based on looks or accents or location.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Thomas then appeared to quickly lunge at Leon, swiftly grabbing and lifting him up before body slamming the suspect to the ground.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024.—
Eric Lagatta,
AZCentral.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Private bankers wealth managers and people looking for seed money will all come knocking.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Across industries, the topic of change management, not technology, determining who wins was widely discussed.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Speaking at a press conference at DOJ headquarters in Washington, Blanche said that more than 500 DOJ lawyers and other personnel had spent the past 75 days reviewing potential material related to Epstein and determining what needed to be released under the law.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For me, that says something about my preoccupation with monsters-in-disguise and the agency of women in both uncovering and conquering violence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
If doubts appear from seemingly nowhere, make a point of uncovering their roots before dismissing them.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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