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 night’s most prestigious award is always a nail-biter, but this year’s competition promises extra drama with Swift, who holds the AOTY record with four; breakthrough artists Carpenter, Roan and Charli xcx; and industry-evolving musicians Eilish, André 3000 and Jacob Collier in the mix.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
The vote itself is a nail-biter, coming just one vote away from being a tie between Rob and Wes — but ultimately, Wes threatened his way right out of the game.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
Each was a nail-biter that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Held in Rod Laver Arena, the final was a nail-biter, but in the third set, Keys hit a forehand winner that sealed the deal.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 29 Jan. 2025
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Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
The vote itself is a nail-biter, coming just one vote away from being a tie between Rob and Wes — but ultimately, Wes threatened his way right out of the game.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
Each was a nail-biter that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Held in Rod Laver Arena, the final was a nail-biter, but in the third set, Keys hit a forehand winner that sealed the deal.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nail-biter
Dictionary Entries Near nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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