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
The second half became a nail-biter for a time after Balogun was red-carded and ejected from the game for stepping on an opponent’s ankle.
—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Colorado’s gubernatorial primary is also proving to be nail-biter.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter.
—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
29 June 2026
After falling behind 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat then won four straight games to earn its first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the deciding game a 95-92 nail-biter on June 20, 2006, in which Wade finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds and was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP.
—
James Jackson,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Colorado’s gubernatorial primary is also proving to be nail-biter.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter.
—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
29 June 2026
After falling behind 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat then won four straight games to earn its first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the deciding game a 95-92 nail-biter on June 20, 2006, in which Wade finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds and was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP.
—
James Jackson,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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