nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·​er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər How to pronounce nail-biter (audio)
Synonyms of nail-biternext
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
nail-biting
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tiŋ How to pronounce nail-biter (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of nail-biter

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not every matchup has been a nail-biter. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026 Although there have been hundreds of close calls and nail-biters, there have been some comebacks that feel like a movie come to life. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for nail-biter

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nail-biter was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

nail bit
nail-biter
nail bone
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Cite this Entry

“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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