1
as in bangs
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 decides
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 exposes
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 arrests
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 grabs
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 nails
Director Paul Weiland, who lived out the exact same bar-mitzvah scenario his protagonist does, nails the specifics of a summer that, for better and for worse, remains ingrained into the national psyche.
—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Every year, Michaels nails the gothic aesthetic for its Halloween lineup—and this year, there are a few different hauntingly historic collections to browse.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2026
For more formal occasions, this DKNY satchel nails the sweet spot between sleek and practical.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Give key lime pie nails a futuristic twist with a chrome finish.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Anhaishuilv Leather Belt Minimalist accessories are trending, and this slim belt nails the look without the luxe price.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
In one respect, though, Young Washington nails it.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
The home nails that rustic aesthetic and is fronted by generous glazing, including double glass doors, with a second entrance at the side.
—
New Atlas,
16 June 2026
Each channel nails one corner of the triangle and leaves the other two as an exercise for the artist to figure out alone.
—
Sam Saideman,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Every year, Michaels nails the gothic aesthetic for its Halloween lineup—and this year, there are a few different hauntingly historic collections to browse.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2026
For more formal occasions, this DKNY satchel nails the sweet spot between sleek and practical.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Give key lime pie nails a futuristic twist with a chrome finish.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Anhaishuilv Leather Belt Minimalist accessories are trending, and this slim belt nails the look without the luxe price.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
In one respect, though, Young Washington nails it.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
The home nails that rustic aesthetic and is fronted by generous glazing, including double glass doors, with a second entrance at the side.
—
New Atlas,
16 June 2026
Each channel nails one corner of the triangle and leaves the other two as an exercise for the artist to figure out alone.
—
Sam Saideman,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
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When selecting the perfect of-the-moment style for you (Jane Birkin bangs?
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Teal'c takes out some frustrations on an unlucky grunt who bangs him with a door at the start of every time loop, and O'Neill gets to (temporarily) sample the will-they side of his will-they-won't-they relationship with Carter.
Verb
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Michelle, who is smarting from Jesse and Lacy’s visible affection, decides to go full Coyote Ugly on the bar.
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If a corporation decides to pursue innovation outsourcing, a key consideration is to be transparent with your VC partner.
Verb
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Inflation often exposes weaknesses that already existed within a business.
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Morning sun followed by afternoon shade generally is easier on plants than the reverse, which exposes them to the more intense afternoon rays.
Verb
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Keith arrests our thinking, and cons us into suppressing our critical faculties with the same kind of internalized surveillance that philosopher Michel Foucault broke down to describe a prison’s use of the panopticon in Discipline and Punish.
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Devlin throws a punch at Stone when the chief arrests him for drunken driving.
Verb
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Once inside, she’s confronted by Tommy (James Eddie), who stupidly grabs her to escort her out.
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When forecasters warn about a heat wave, the number that grabs headlines is the daytime high.
Verb
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Of course, the movie had to contend with the beloved Toy Story 5, and the staying power of recent horror hits like Obsession and Backrooms, so that at least explains it.
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For a good deal on a budget gaming laptop, this 35% discount on the Asus TUF 16 hits the sweet spot.
Verb
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This is where the fine print that determines your actual outcome gets written.
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Tarrant County Medical Examiner and Death Certificate Records The Tarrant County Medical Examiner handles identification of the deceased and determines the official cause and manner of death.
Verb
-
The investigation uncovers a decades-old love affair, revealing that the person Grandma had been exchanging letters with for half a century via the traditional qiaopi system was a complete stranger.
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As her historically Black neighborhood is rapidly gentrified and her neighbors mysteriously disappear, Sydney uncovers a sinister conspiracy.
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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