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
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
SpaceX’s Starship nails 11th test flight SpaceX’s Starship, the biggest and most powerful spacecraft ever launched, successfully completed its 11th test flight, bringing the company closer to sending humans to other worlds.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Endless Space 2 nails the basics of the genre and then stacks plenty of distinct elements on top to create something that’s memorable.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The humanoid also nails a couple of spins and launches a few punches.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Nick Folk nails the 52-yard field goal to get the Jets on the board first.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
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
SpaceX’s Starship nails 11th test flight SpaceX’s Starship, the biggest and most powerful spacecraft ever launched, successfully completed its 11th test flight, bringing the company closer to sending humans to other worlds.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Endless Space 2 nails the basics of the genre and then stacks plenty of distinct elements on top to create something that’s memorable.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The humanoid also nails a couple of spins and launches a few punches.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Nick Folk nails the 52-yard field goal to get the Jets on the board first.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 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
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Major carriers are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge — or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The story follows the complications that arise in female friendships when one of the characters decides to pose for a high school photography project.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Pic follows the young protégé of a legendary crime boss, secretly an undercover cop, who is executed before revealing a file that exposes the city’s entire web of corruption.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
-
In comparison, the entire pediatric immunization schedule exposes them to 165 antigens, Bryant said.—
Liz Szabo,
NBC news,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After Grace quotes Zooey Deschanel's character, Thames grabs her face and kisses her out of the frame.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Another strong Lions performance could mark a turning point this season where Detroit grabs control of the division and doesn't look back.—
Nick Meyer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
So many conversations about so many things and for some reason that’s what hits home.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The most important factor that determines whether a residential building will be built is the ability to access capital.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The student is an English language learner who has received services for less than two years, and a group of the student’s school educators determines that promotion is appropriate.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
5 Nov. 2025
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
-
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
Verb
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Dolores notices they are gone and begins to lash out, and Abby seizes an opportunity to knock Dolores out.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
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Continue reading … CRYPTO CRACKDOWN – DOJ seizes record $15 billion in Bitcoin in largest US forfeiture ever.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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