1
as in to hit
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
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2
as in to decide
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 to expose
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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4
as in to arrest
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
5
as in to grab
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nail
Few writers have nailed the interpersonal thriller better than Kitamura.
—
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The floods that hit the Hill Country nearly three weeks ago killed dozens of young girls at Camp Mystic, many of whose families live in the Houston region.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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More: Bourbon, other U.S. spirits could soon be hit with retaliatory EU tariffs.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Verb
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In a July 15 episode of her podcast, Unlocked, the reality television star, 27, decided to speak about undergoing liposuction for the first time, detailing the reasoning behind her decision to undergo the knife.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Peskov said Putin would need time to analyze Trump's remarks, some of which were directed at him, and to decide whether to comment.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Verb
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As it was exposed to rain on the surface, the limestone partially dissolved and cracked along areas of weakness.—
Ruby Grisin,
The Courier-Journal,
24 July 2025
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In early 2011, Butler was exposed for faking private investigation cases to keep up with the content demands of the Lifetime show, according to This American Life.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Jeremiah Taylor, 18, was arrested by the South Milwaukee Police Department on July 22.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Woods was arrested just over a year ago on DUI charges in Georgia’s Gwinnett County.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Instead, Sue goes all Mama Bear and uses her powers to knock him into the teleporter and then Silver Surfer has a change of heart and knocks him back in when Galactus tries to get out.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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In log rolling, two competitors face off on floating western red cedar logs, switching up treading speed and direction to try and knock their opponent off balance without touching each other.—
Maayan Silver,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The four semifinalists were determined based on point differential with the Raptors (+15.8), Thunder (+14.8), Hornets (+12.7) and Kings (+11.5) finishing ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (+9.5) and Atlanta Hawks (+8.0).—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
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His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of his death.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Healy-Pratt said the mistakes were uncovered when Inner West London coroner Dr. Fiona Wilcox attempted to match DNA samples from the victims and their families, the outlets reported.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
23 July 2025
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While this is nothing new, a study from Philips Avent, in partnership with March of Dimes, uncovers a disconnect between postpartum moms and their support systems.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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