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
McHale nails the role of mediator and doesn’t sacrifice any dignity in the process.
—
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
Mullins raised both arms in celebration of nailing the game-winning shot for UConn, creating a memorable moment that will forever be remembered as part of basketball history.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
That’s what Liv Ciara did on the Monday (March 30) episode of The Voice, singing coach Kelly Clarkson‘s own hit in front of the star and nailing it.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
This feels like the committee nailed it.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
Mullins raised both arms in celebration of nailing the game-winning shot for UConn, creating a memorable moment that will forever be remembered as part of basketball history.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
That’s what Liv Ciara did on the Monday (March 30) episode of The Voice, singing coach Kelly Clarkson‘s own hit in front of the star and nailing it.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
This feels like the committee nailed it.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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Five pitchers combined for nine strikeouts and allowed just hits for Andrew (4-3).—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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Among them was Linda Parker, the president and CEO of Women In Distress of Broward County, who said Metayer’s death hit close to home.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This information helps the military decide whether a rescue is immediately feasible, what methods should be used, and which aircraft to send to rescue the crew.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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As first impressions go, this was the equivalent of forgetting a date’s name, checking the phone while ordering, and deciding to talk religion and politics over dessert.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The breach exposed personal data such as addresses and social security numbers for more than 60 million students and teachers nationwide.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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Florida is particularly exposed.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Officials said the shooter, an Army sergeant who worked at the base, used his personal handgun before he was tackled by fellow soldiers and arrested.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The Erie County District Attorney's Office said Shah Alam was arrested following an incident that resulted in minor injuries to two Buffalo police officers.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Making his fifth start of the season in Queta’s absence, the backup center tallied 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Miami is now 10-2 this season when grabbing more than 15 offensive rebounds.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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About 2 minutes and 40 seconds into the fight, Grasso drilled Barber in the head with a left hook, knocking her out.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Roberts said Betts won’t play in Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals, and his availability for the series in Toronto beginning Monday won’t be determined until after the results of the MRI are known.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
5 Apr. 2026
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For many years, the top pick was determined by a coin flip between the worst teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Swanson also uncovered a photograph of Banks with an effigy of a Black man hanging by a noose in the background at Mansfield High School.—
Marissa Armas,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Ham pastelitos on a food-prep table were left uncovered and unattended as people delivering food products passed the table.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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