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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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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New York’s forward did so by staying attached through the bazillion screens Detroit set and recovering when he was hit.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Houston threw numbers behind the ball for most of the game to avoid getting hit by the deadly counterattacks and transitions KC has been known for.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In this scenario, the Saints decide to make a bold play and move up for their passer of the future.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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Lacking any evidence, the department decided Ozturk could be deported at Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discretion under law.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … -- POLITICS BEHIND THE SCENES – Radical activist's ties to Cori Bush exposed after emerging as spokesperson for track star's murder suspect.—
FOXNews.com,
FOXNews.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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In other words, exposing ourselves to natural light early in the day helps regulate our internal clock so that our system stays balanced from day to night, winter to spring.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
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Two people are dead and a man who held Sacramento police at bay for hours before surrendering early Friday has been arrested in the slayings.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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Police said that once Davis left the apartment, the surviving 10-year-old quickly grabbed her baby brother, locked the door and called for help.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Jey landed a big uppercut early in the match that knocked Gunther on his butt.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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The next day, animal control officers returned to the home and knocked on the door, but no one answered, authorities said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Investigators determined the car was a Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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One immigration judge and the Board of Immigration Appeals agreed, but those decisions were overridden when another immigration judge determined that Abrego García and his family had shown the gang in El Salvador threatened and harassed his family.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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No matter the event, the value always comes back to the relationships between the members and the emphasis on uncovering the value of a holistic approach to ambition and a life well lived.—
Kody Boye,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Archaeologists in Germany recently uncovered a trove of artifacts from a 17th-century military camp — including some that shed light onto a mysterious grave.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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