NAILS Synonyms: 243 Similar and Opposite Words

nails

verb

present tense third-person singular of nail

as in bangs

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

as in decides

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exposes

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

as in arrests

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

as in grabs

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nails Anderson’s collaboration with this gifted young man nails the one thing that every great concert movie tries gift to those who could not be there for the original moment. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 The film’s most heartbreaking scene sees Davidson’s character singing to his daughter over the phone before a deadly shootout ensues, and the actor nails it. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 The Rittenhouse nails it on superlative quality and prime Center City setting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026 There is something about that scene that nails the nuance of being gutted by the crimes of powerful, entitled men. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 Baleaf consistently nails budget-friendly performance wear, and these capris are no exception. — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026 Plus, Sumosan nails Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi and creative cocktails by the beach. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 This neighborhood is cool and low-key, just like Sunny’s, and the menu nails it. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 10 Aug. 2026 And then there’s the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, which basically nails the federal government for not consulting with the county or state on the project. — Nick Bhasin, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails

Verb

Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
When selecting the perfect of-the-moment style for you (Jane Birkin bangs?

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Definition of bangs

Verb

Cybersecurity specialist Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) decides to turn whistleblower upon discovering that the US government has been suppressing evidence of extra-terrrestrial life, as part of a cover-up that goes back decades.

— Tom Bailey, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Then Sean moves away and grows up to become a spy who, after wrapping up a mission involving smuggling a nuclear warhead for reasons unknown, decides to pay an impromptu visit to his tweenage buddies.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of decides

Verb

Keith arrests our thinking, and cons us into suppressing our critical faculties with the same kind of internalized surveillance that philosopher Michel Foucault broke down to describe a prison’s use of the panopticon in Discipline and Punish.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
Devlin throws a punch at Stone when the chief arrests him for drunken driving.

— Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Definition of arrests

Verb

Operational value creation is what is left, and in a cycle concentrated below $1 billion, the quality of the separation is what determines the return.

— Miki Kapoor, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Each establishment determines the experiences offered to Inside members and his or her plus-one.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of determines

Verb

As the investigation uncovers a string of killings linked to a strange ritual, the two are pushed into working together, facing down otherworldly threats as well as unfinished business from Lan’s past.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Discover the Rhythm of Florida’s Northwest Coast From a boutique inn to the backwater bays Taylor Eisenhauer uncovers the storied side of Florida’s Panhandle.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026