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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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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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 With delicate buttons down the front and a chic square-neck, this top nails the bohemian vibe, and is only made trendier with the addition of lace trim. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 After the rogue’s gallery is introduced early on, nearly everyone except for Tim, Elliot, and Rebecca fades into the background, although delightfully, Emma Thompson nails her brief comedic role as a brusque solicitor handling George’s last will and testament. —

Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 May 2026 Sheridan, who is directing, sends everyone out and Bruccoleri soon nails it. —

Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 30 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 Quince nails this gloriously soft skirt, giving it a fit that doesn't grip my body and instead hangs elegantly. —

Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 Malcolm’s teenage daughter, Leah (Keeley Karsten), nails Malcolm’s mannerisms and resembles Muniz. —

Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 Apr. 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