nail-biter
noun
nail-bit·er
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
Recent Examples on the Web
Those fans thirsting for the Cubs team that slugged its way to wins earlier in the season have had to settle for low-scoring nail-biters lately.
—
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Bailey hears that theme from consumers who just aren’t in the mood for any more nail-biters.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
The Musical Nicole Scherzinger — Sunset Blvd. Jennifer Simard — Death Becomes Her
Everyone’s favorite category is even more of a nail-biter than usual!
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 June 2025
The team that started 5-0 while dominating Major League Rugby has slipped up down the stretch, losing matches like last week’s nail-biter at Seattle.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Bailey hears that theme from consumers who just aren’t in the mood for any more nail-biters.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
The Musical Nicole Scherzinger — Sunset Blvd. Jennifer Simard — Death Becomes Her
Everyone’s favorite category is even more of a nail-biter than usual!
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 June 2025
The team that started 5-0 while dominating Major League Rugby has slipped up down the stretch, losing matches like last week’s nail-biter at Seattle.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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