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 one also nails the basics and provides clear footage.
—
PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Andrew Greif New England nails a 52-yard field goal to take a 23-20 lead with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
While a hoodie is usually known for its comfort rather than its style, Quince has a piece that nails both, according to shoppers.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
If the positives continue — if Ivey nails a high volume of 3s, if the Cunningham-Ivey lineups wreck and the ones with Ivey running the bench unit sustain offensively — then the Pistons could vault into the next tier of the Eastern Conference.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Many frothers can handle one or the other, but the Breville nails both, thanks to its precise temperature control.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025
A week after hitting the winner as time expired, Eddy Piñeiro nails a 25-yarder to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
On top of leaving plenty of leg space open for your best knee-high boots, this ensemble also nails the high-low look that works well for weekday dressing and off-duty gatherings alike.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Andrew Greif New England nails a 52-yard field goal to take a 23-20 lead with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
While a hoodie is usually known for its comfort rather than its style, Quince has a piece that nails both, according to shoppers.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
If the positives continue — if Ivey nails a high volume of 3s, if the Cunningham-Ivey lineups wreck and the ones with Ivey running the bench unit sustain offensively — then the Pistons could vault into the next tier of the Eastern Conference.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Many frothers can handle one or the other, but the Breville nails both, thanks to its precise temperature control.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025
A week after hitting the winner as time expired, Eddy Piñeiro nails a 25-yarder to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
On top of leaving plenty of leg space open for your best knee-high boots, this ensemble also nails the high-low look that works well for weekday dressing and off-duty gatherings alike.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
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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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The committee decides which nominees will be added to its shortlist which is not released to the public.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
What’ll be interesting is how heavily Berube decides to lean on him, given that the schedule is about to get busy quickly.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Spotrac compiled the latest cap hits for the team regarding quarterbacks, which exposes the Browns' terrible luck at the position.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The whole atmosphere, the borderline evil USGA pin locations — tournament golf exposes your weaknesses and projects them for everyone to see.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But Henry grabs Julia at the last moment and presses all of their hands to the stones at once.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Viral video of the incident shows Eilish leaving the stage and exchanging high-fives with fans when someone grabs her arm and tires to yank her into the crowd.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The program features hits from the ‘70s, such as by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis and The Carpenters, with a modern twist.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Topwater lures produced a couple of thrilling peacock hits from fish up to 4½ pounds, as well as a number of misses.—
Steve Waters,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This is because the anode, the negative electrode that stores and releases charge, determines the total energy the battery can store.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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Attendance is one of the key factors that determines school funding in most states.—
Eli Cahan,
Rolling Stone,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The campaign uncovers real attitudes and misconceptions by using custom messaging architecture and consumer testing, addressing everything from range confidence and cost concerns, to confusion around charging, incentives and total cost of ownership (TCO).—
Stacy Noblet,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If Europe seizes this opportunity, quantum computing has the power to be a genuine differentiator for the continent, and shape our economy, and world, for the better.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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The Athletic’s Daniel Popper believes a trade could be on the horizon if neither back seizes the opportunity ahead.—
Andy Behrens,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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