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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nail
By nailing down Chance as the festival’s finale, before even his star-making turn at this year’s Grammy Awards, Sasquatch! grabbed one of this year’s marquee live acts for their youthful audience.
—
Charles R. Cross, The Seattle Times, 24 May 2017
Why does Apple nail what channel the Cavs game is on but Google does not?
—Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017
Finally, in 2011, Shell and Eni paid the government $1.3 billion, including about $200 million as a signature bonus -- a onetime fee charged by some oil-producing nations -- to nail down the contract once and for all.
—Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, 9 May 2017
How could anyone nail both the keys and the rhythms with perfect accuracy?
—David Pogue, Scientific American, 3 July 2017
See All Example Sentences for nail
Charles R. Cross, The Seattle Times, 24 May 2017
Why does Apple nail what channel the Cavs game is on but Google does not?
—Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017
Finally, in 2011, Shell and Eni paid the government $1.3 billion, including about $200 million as a signature bonus -- a onetime fee charged by some oil-producing nations -- to nail down the contract once and for all.
—Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, 9 May 2017
How could anyone nail both the keys and the rhythms with perfect accuracy?
—David Pogue, Scientific American, 3 July 2017
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The 26-year-old Maleficent star was one of the first to hit the carpet, floating in a white gown that was chosen after a hands-on fitting with Burton, 51, herself.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Xiaomi’s shares, which are listed in Hong Kong, hit a record high this week.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Conversely, could the Blues still decide to add to the roster?—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
7 Mar. 2025
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But DeSantis appears to be hoping that Trump’s early endorsement won’t decide the 2026 governor’s race.—
Kirby Wilson,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Eventually, after a year Ponzi was exposed and convicted of fraud, but by that time his victims had lost $20 million.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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But in space, especially beyond Earth’s orbit, astronauts are more exposed to these particles, which can damage DNA, increase cancer risk, and accelerate cellular aging.—
Jake Parks,
Discover Magazine,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The sheriff said his priority would be working with ICE to arrest members of gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, or TDA, which is based in Venezuela and Bradshaw said has a presence in Miami.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2025
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In return for the temporary dismissal of his indictment for bribery and fraud, Adams’ promised to assist the Trump administration in arresting migrants in New York City.—
Nick Akerman,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Lozano exited the match in the 28th minute after appearing to grab his left hamstring.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Tari Eason scored 14 points and Dillon Brooks added 12. Sabonis’ injury Sabonis grabbed his left hamstring while running the floor just over a minute into the game.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Souring consumer sentiment knocked sports stocks back 4% in February, as apparel and gear makers bore the brunt of a market wide slump.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
3 Mar. 2025
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My ignorance about menopause knocked any such certainties firmly aside.—
Rebecca Mead,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Here are four simple questions that can determine longevity of your connection.—
Mark Travers, Contributor,
CNBC,
9 Mar. 2025
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The disposition of Dahlin’s estate is being determined in a supervised probate case.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, deputies also uncovered an unexpected aquatic trove: 35 live abalone, a northwestern pond turtle, wet clothing and tools apparently used to pry abalone from rocks, authorities said in a statement.—
Suhauna Hussain,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2025
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Connecting with industry peers on platforms like X or LinkedIn can uncover hidden opportunities.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to nail
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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