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
Relevance
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
Find and nail a scalable distribution channel.
—
Jay Sen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
This one also nails the basics and provides clear footage.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
The flouncy shirt will look great with anything from a loose-fitting pair of barrel jeans to your favorite pair of trousers, and the gingham pattern is an easy way to nail one of this year’s biggest trends.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
That tension—that double life—that’s what Hunte nailed.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Jay Sen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
This one also nails the basics and provides clear footage.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
The flouncy shirt will look great with anything from a loose-fitting pair of barrel jeans to your favorite pair of trousers, and the gingham pattern is an easy way to nail one of this year’s biggest trends.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
That tension—that double life—that’s what Hunte nailed.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Denholm is giving interviews to explain the board’s decision to award Musk a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion if the company hits milestones for market capitalization, profits, and vehicle production.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But Harold gets on famously with Duke William, at least until the Norman warlord decides to assert his claim to the English throne.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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The president on Tuesday again pushed back applying a ban on the app, which had been decided under his predecessor Joe Biden.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Most organic compounds are extremely fragile when exposed to harsh environmental conditions — and that’s especially true for biomolecules, most of which are large organic compounds.—
Dirk Schulze-Makuch,
Big Think,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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British police have arrested three people on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services, highlighting the threat posed to NATO allies as Russia pursues hybrid warfare against Western powers.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Scott, McDonald and Neary were arrested, but Rackauckas and a Fullerton police detective persuaded Neary to testify against the other two men, according to the motion.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Plus, grab knife sets and a nifty electric can opener to streamline your cooking.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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As Jey checked on Jimmy, LA Knight grabbed the steel chair and teased hitting Jey Uso.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Elon Musk had steadily held his spot at the top of the billionaires list for nearly a year straight before Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison briefly knocked him from the throne last week.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Detectives are searching for the vehicle the suspect used in the shooting and Gamble clarified the investigation is too preliminary to determine a motive yet.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
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Always check the label to determine if your peanut butter is able to be stored at room temperature, or if it should be refrigerated after opening to prevent spoilage.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Barr confirms unreleased Epstein footage Barr confirmed that searches of Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, and possibly his island and New Mexico home, had uncovered cameras and recording systems.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
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After years of demanding better pay and protections from individual farmers and buyers, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers — the anti-trafficking organization that uncovered the first examples of abuse in the massive federal case — launched the Fair Food Program in 2010.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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