1
as in 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 decided
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 exposed
to reveal the true nature of
an investigative report that nailed the teenage novelist as someone who had plagiarized the works of others
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4
as in arrested
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 grabbed
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
the running back saw the pass coming in and nailed it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nailed
Shrader missed badly from 60 yards but Tillman’s infraction gave the Colts another untimed down and Shrader nailed the do-over to give Indy its first 2-0 start since 2009 and send the Broncos home with big regrets over their blunder.
—
Arnie Stapleton, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
In the decisive final quarter, the Dream pulled away with a 9-0 run that spanned the first three minutes and 26 seconds, as Howard nailed a three-pointer and then converted on two technical free throws after fouls were called on the Fever's Odyssey Sims and coach Stephanie White.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
That tension—that double life—that’s what Hunte nailed.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025
Because, given another opportunity from 15 yards closer, Shrader nailed it.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Yet, the true star of this portion of the show was Matt Duckworth, who absolutely nailed those powerhouse drum parts originally laid down by Sabbath’s mighty Bill Ward (aka, one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history).
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Seven plays later, Nico Gramatica nailed a 20-yard field goal to give South Florida the 18-16 win.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Arnie Stapleton, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
In the decisive final quarter, the Dream pulled away with a 9-0 run that spanned the first three minutes and 26 seconds, as Howard nailed a three-pointer and then converted on two technical free throws after fouls were called on the Fever's Odyssey Sims and coach Stephanie White.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
That tension—that double life—that’s what Hunte nailed.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025
Because, given another opportunity from 15 yards closer, Shrader nailed it.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Nico Gramatica then nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Yet, the true star of this portion of the show was Matt Duckworth, who absolutely nailed those powerhouse drum parts originally laid down by Sabbath’s mighty Bill Ward (aka, one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history).
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
By the time the Raiders’ marathon march ended, Daniel Carlson nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend their lead to two possessions.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Seven plays later, Nico Gramatica nailed a 20-yard field goal to give South Florida the 18-16 win.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailed
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
-
The two reportedly worked on the tune during her lifetime for her final album, but the cut didn’t make the tracklist, so Gad decided to release it many years later.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Its pilots received authorization to shoot it down but decided not to open fire after assessing the collateral risks.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Then there was a rough outing Week 2 at Indianapolis in which he and Strnad each were exposed in coverage and targeted by a Colts offense that racked up 447 yards and operated extensively through running back Jonathan Taylor and tight end Tyler Warren.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
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The harsh dye exposed her dark roots, accentuating the charcoal-colored shadow hollowing out the shape of her eyes.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
He was pulled over and arrested after leaving the airport.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The cancellation comes weeks after 26-year-old Ottawa man Noah Castellano was arrested and charged with threats to cause death or bodily harm for threatening Morrissey on the social app Blue Sky.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Agents grabbed one man who appeared to be charging up the driveway, pinned him to the ground and hustled him behind the gate with his hands behind his back.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Boston Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
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On the third play from scrimmage, freshman defensive back Kiingbaraka Kizzee grabbed a deflected pass for an interception and returned the ball 46 yards to the Sierra Canyon 5.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This lesson smacked me in the face Sunday as Russell Wilson went off for 450 passing yards despite the Giants' dramatic 40-37 OT loss to the Dallas Cowboys.—
Chris Bumbaca,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Chiefs crushed the Patriots that night, winning 41-14 at Arrowhead Stadium and Brady was benched after the Chiefs smacked him down.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The 2024 lottery pick's status for training camp remains to be determined.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Dillane is the first-ever Brooklyn Arts Ambassador—what that means, exactly, remains to be determined.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But, as a Ken Klippenstein investigation uncovered, some of Robinson’s friends questioned the notion that his beliefs on sexuality represented a wider left-leaning position—noting, for instance, his support for the Second Amendment.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
18 Sep. 2025
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Wells Fargo, which disclosed the error Friday, said it was uncovered in an internal review and corrected in 2015.—
Deon Roberts,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailed. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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