as in tense
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biting
Adjective
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In a city that has endured tensions over Old School Square, code enforcement incompetence, a tense police contract impasse, and a city employee’s claims of being strong-armed by a city commissioner (not substantiated by an outside review), this adds to Delray’s headaches.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025 -
Mulino’s support comes as the $22.8 billion transaction remains a proxy in the tense relationship between the U.S. and China, both of whom have had their differing opinions of the sale.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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She Rides Shotgun begins with one uneasy situation and ends on quite another, and the two hours in between are anything but comfortable.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
31 July 2025
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Step 3: Open the door and actually listen Senior leaders should become more visible, Burke says, especially to help coach managers who feel uneasy addressing tough topics.—
Alyshia Hull,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The board of the Regional Transportation Authority met Friday to discuss ways to respond to the cut, striking a note of optimism to counter the disturbing prediction for Tri-Rail’s future.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
25 July 2025
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This is a disturbing statistic and speaks to an increase in the total number of people defacing themselves, but also a rise in the amount of ink per person.—
Scott Liftman,
Boston Herald,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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It’s had a number of harrowing trailers and is now releasing full clips that the internet is finding deeply unsettling.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Tell me what were some of the other possibilities that were floated to deal with this unsettling initial singularity?—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The listing agents are anxious to share more history and information about the Charles Cheney home.—
Karen A. Avitabile,
Hartford Courant,
3 Aug. 2025
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However, someone with anxious attachment isn’t usually soothed by facts or space.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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All 11 brought home at least one full point in Rome, the result of their talent but also of a cohesive approach where veteran Justin Rose was willing to be paired with nervous rookie Robert MacIntyre in fourball and sit the foursomes sessions.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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Despite more than 50 years in show business – running the gamut of Broadway, TV and film − Martin Short refreshingly still feels nervous ahead of hosting his first game show.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Any more info would spoil a twisty, richly visual tale, yet Pacino is upfront that the film’s claustrophobic feelings were a result of feeling creatively restless during COVID.—
William Earl,
Variety,
24 July 2025
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Since college dorm rooms often lack temperature control (hello, restless nights), the removable fabric cover offers moisture-wicking properties that actively pull heat away from the body, allowing your student to stay cool and comfortable.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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As soon as Home Depot drops its annual Halloween collection full of creepy crawly animatronic characters, the official Halloween countdown is on.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Aug. 2025
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Paul Teal plays Pastor Pete, a creepy youth pastor with an obsession with Abby and very dark history.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
26 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nail-biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biting. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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