nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər

Synonyms of nail-biter next

: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety

nail-biting

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tiŋ

adjective

Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence

a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Still, the presidential race is expected to the biggest nail-biter and the one where results could take the longest (as long as Richmond's mayoral election doesn't head to a runoff). —

Erin Doherty, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 This holiday season may be a nail-biter for some retailers. —

Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 Tens of millions of Americans have already voted, and tens of millions more are now casting ballots for either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris in a nail-biter of an election. —

Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 But there are still many nail-biters with huge implications: California could very likely decide whether the U.S. House of Representatives stays Republican or flips to Democratic control. —

Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nail-biter