1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
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Recent Examples of nails
This is a practically perfect translation, capturing the books’ madness, eccentric humor, and darkly inventive imagination — and Harris, of course, nails it.
—
Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Wil Lutz nails the 24-yard field goal.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Tramon Mark nails a big 3-pointer for Texas, Josh Hubbard misses two free throws, and Dailyn Swain converts a 3-point play.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
But Louisa absolutely nails the appeal of this show.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
Now, she name-checks fellow makeup artist, Nina Park, as someone who nails the look time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026
Each actress nails the comedic timing – and the accented English that flows with the cadence of their mother tongues.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
The Adidas Handball Spezial nails a mix of iconic Adidas design and subtle trend twist, perfect for strolling city streets or travel days.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
The Acer Aspire Go 15 laptop is $300 off and nails the basics with smooth performance for work, streaming, and calls, plus a sturdy build that feels dependable every day.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Wil Lutz nails the 24-yard field goal.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Tramon Mark nails a big 3-pointer for Texas, Josh Hubbard misses two free throws, and Dailyn Swain converts a 3-point play.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
But Louisa absolutely nails the appeal of this show.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
Now, she name-checks fellow makeup artist, Nina Park, as someone who nails the look time and time again.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026
Each actress nails the comedic timing – and the accented English that flows with the cadence of their mother tongues.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
The Adidas Handball Spezial nails a mix of iconic Adidas design and subtle trend twist, perfect for strolling city streets or travel days.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
The Acer Aspire Go 15 laptop is $300 off and nails the basics with smooth performance for work, streaming, and calls, plus a sturdy build that feels dependable every day.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
-
The sheep alien bangs its head on the glass in the nextdoor cell, startling Tootles, who falls over and spills the tray.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And while Elliott would like to see Nielsen as the next CEO, if the board decides on someone else who is equally qualified, Elliott will support that decision.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Georgia grows tired of her husband and their nightly trips to the fancy French restaurant and decides to have an affair with another man at another table (Alan Howard).—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Although pumpkins that have started to turn color can ripen off the vine, leaving them in the garden exposes them to slugs, rot, or damage from a hard freeze.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Inclusion on a flagship list, like Rap Caviar, instantly exposes an artist to millions of potential listeners actively looking for new music.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Police officer Hugo Crussi (Vogrincic) traces the voice to a young preacher, Jonas Flores (Zurita), and arrests him.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But the sustained fury grabs you.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Today, artificial intelligence grabs headlines and AI stocks are soaring.—
Drew O’Connor,
Nashville Tennessean,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In exchange for Sonis, Summit FC sent $120,000 to Louisville, a sum that could rise to $160,000 if Sonis hits certain performance conditions.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Keeping the Uconnect infotainment system in play is also a win for the Stellantis brand with its extremely simplistic useability, which really hits home for many.—
Marc D Grasso,
Hartford Courant,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The system determines whether sanitization is needed and leaves that choice to the user.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Even with a healthy points balance, flexibility often determines whether booking an award flight is possible.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The investigation uncovers a trail of clues hidden in Leonardo da Vinci’s works, which leads them to the secret society of the Priory of Sion.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
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The third season sees Leaphorn and Chee take on the case of two missing boys, while Manuelito, now working for Border Patrol, uncovers a conspiracy tied to human and drug trafficking along the border.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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