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
The Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Quarter-zip Sweater nails that versatility.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
The American super-brand nails its Tokyo offering with the right balance of East and West.
—Brandon Presser, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Deutch nails every joke in this slapstick comedy that keeps the out-of-pocket zingers coming nonstop, complimented perfectly by her crew of Yellow Brick Road (Hollywood Boulevard) nomads.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
And Lawrence nails her prompt every time by relying on one specific rule.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2026
Accepting the sham of the Jimmy cult, Jimmy Ink kills the last loyal Fingers, then nails her former leader to an upside-down cross.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Julian nails it – the position has been an issue all season, and it should have been dealt with.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
The American super-brand nails its Tokyo offering with the right balance of East and West.
—Brandon Presser, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Deutch nails every joke in this slapstick comedy that keeps the out-of-pocket zingers coming nonstop, complimented perfectly by her crew of Yellow Brick Road (Hollywood Boulevard) nomads.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
And Lawrence nails her prompt every time by relying on one specific rule.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2026
Accepting the sham of the Jimmy cult, Jimmy Ink kills the last loyal Fingers, then nails her former leader to an upside-down cross.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Julian nails it – the position has been an issue all season, and it should have been dealt with.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
-
Before boarding the bus, schoolboy Harrison Higgins, who bangs the drum, literally, for Darlo, optimistically predicts a 2-1 away win.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
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
-
Whatever the Supreme Court decides, 82 percent of American adults believe the president must obey the decision.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue — including taxes and tariffs — is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The controversy also exposes ideological fault lines.—
Asra Q. Nomani,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
But without the proper licensing, this exposes houses of worship who use volunteer armed security to a world of liability.—
Lauren Costantino
February 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Department of Damage Control arrests Trevor.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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The sheer scale of an estate for sale in San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood — a residence spanning 26,000 square feet, or the equivalent of 10 average homes — arrests the imagination.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The fun begins when a snook grabs the bait.—
Steve Waters,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Even the Puppy Bowl crew occasionally grabs a few.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For Rios, the celebration hits home — quite literally — as a Bay Area native.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The deadline that will accompany the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze, which hits at noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, shouldn’t be viewed as a prequel for the actual trade deadline.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Candidates don’t always honor their party’s endorsement and will sometimes advance to the August primary election, which officially determines the party nominee.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
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Each agency determines what work is essential or not.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
All that is really a testament to the fact that there are a certain number of filmmakers who are doing extraordinary new work there, but also with a language of cinema that shows a desire to express things and speak about their own environment in a way that uncovers something new.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
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This approach uncovers systemic issues and shows your team that honesty won't be punished.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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