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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But Moe pulls it together in time for dinner and nails a menu that includes Thai crab salad, a beautiful piece of kingfish with curry, and a chocolate matcha cake. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026 Final Thoughts The Fitbit Edge nails the dedicated fitness tracker formula, with dependable workout tracking, comprehensive vital monitoring, and standout sleep analysis. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 Diego Cardoso, the culinary director for the museum, developed a menu that nails the balance of high-low. — Khushbu Shah, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner nails the trifecta, with a comfortable formula, impressive staying power, and an impressive shade range that makes finding a natural-looking match refreshingly easy. — Sheryl George, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 The black diamond backdrop framing the classic cowboy spur really nails the retro look. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Anderson’s collaboration with this gifted young man nails the one thing that every great concert movie tries gift to those who could not be there for the original moment. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 The film’s most heartbreaking scene sees Davidson’s character singing to his daughter over the phone before a deadly shootout ensues, and the actor nails it. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 The Rittenhouse nails it on superlative quality and prime Center City setting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails

Verb

Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
When selecting the perfect of-the-moment style for you (Jane Birkin bangs?

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Definition of bangs

Verb

Nothing exposes the shortcomings of a yachting crew more clearly than a group of demanding guests.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
But the virus's spread exposes declining vaccination rates, eroding trust in health institutions and growing challenges in persuading people to protect themselves, their children and their communities, experts said.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of exposes

Verb

Keith arrests our thinking, and cons us into suppressing our critical faculties with the same kind of internalized surveillance that philosopher Michel Foucault broke down to describe a prison’s use of the panopticon in Discipline and Punish.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
Devlin throws a punch at Stone when the chief arrests him for drunken driving.

— Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Definition of arrests

Verb

Why the ridiculous prices are worth it Bob Baffert grabs a water out of a nearby cooler to keep the searing heat and humidity at bay.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Illinois center Tomislav Ivišić grabs a rebound past UConn forward Jayden Ross during the first half of their Final Four game on April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

— Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabs

Verb

Emmanwori is tied for fourth on the defense with 27 tackles, despite missing the season opener, and has two sacks, seven quarterback hits and one pass breakup.

— Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Senators elected this November will be in office in 2032, when the retirement trust fund depletion date hits.

— Lorie Konish, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of hits

Verb

How the Fed affects your money The Fed's benchmark interest rate determines what banks charge one another for overnight loans.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
In this setup, the angle between the polarized light and the polarizer determines how much light can pass through the latter.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of determines

Verb

But then a series of murders occur, eerily similar to those of the Ferryman, and a reporter uncovers her identity and wants an interview.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
As the investigation uncovers a string of killings linked to a strange ritual, the two are pushed into working together, facing down otherworldly threats as well as unfinished business from Lan’s past.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026