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

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Relevance

as in decides

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 Stripes are a prominent feature of many of the vintage activewear trends that caught my eye, and the new Vuori Seamless Euphoric Tank nails the look with a pop of blue lining the otherwise simple top. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026 There’s a lot to love and appreciate about spring—longer days, nature coming back to life, and a climate that nails the sweet spot between comfortable and warm. —

Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026 Spring makes a strong case for looser, airier cuts and clean lines, and Quince nails it all. —

Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Take the quiz here … DUGOUT DANGER — Grand slam redemption follows terrifying moment when batter nails his own boss. —

FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Domingo nails it as the cutting teacher who has choice words about the robber’s style choices while his students offer their own insults. —

Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Malcolm’s teenage daughter, Leah (Keeley Karsten), nails Malcolm’s mannerisms and resembles Muniz. —

Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 Apr. 2026 McHale nails the role of mediator and doesn’t sacrifice any dignity in the process. —

Matt Donnelly, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026 Styles nails the daring outfits, but can everyday guys pull them off? —

Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails

Verb

Teal'c takes out some frustrations on an unlucky grunt who bangs him with a door at the start of every time loop, and O'Neill gets to (temporarily) sample the will-they side of his will-they-won't-they relationship with Carter.

— Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Another bangs his head against the wall after expressing suicidal thoughts.

— Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026