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
Newer systems installed to modern FBC standards include stricter nailing patterns and improved secondary water barriers, which significantly improve a roof’s ability to hold up in high winds.
—
David Nye, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
The ball still came back, but Starodubtseva nailed a swinging backhand volley to get to match point.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 27 May 2026
From glam nights out to chill days at the beach to elevated city strolls, Hadid really has nailed every aspect of the vacation wardrobe.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 May 2026
The risk is whether Alkimia nails the balance between modernizing the combat and keeping Gothic’s deliberately rough, unforgiving soul, and reviews will answer that fast.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
David Nye, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
The ball still came back, but Starodubtseva nailed a swinging backhand volley to get to match point.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 27 May 2026
From glam nights out to chill days at the beach to elevated city strolls, Hadid really has nailed every aspect of the vacation wardrobe.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 May 2026
The risk is whether Alkimia nails the balance between modernizing the combat and keeping Gothic’s deliberately rough, unforgiving soul, and reviews will answer that fast.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The Rockies’ Kyle Karros hit an opposite-field line drive that carried to the right-field warning track, but Lee tracked down the potential extra-base hit on the run, then crashed into the chain-link portion of the fence.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
-
The hitting coaches have been really emphasizing it.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Thai diver Kengkard Bongkawong told CNN that while the goal is still to rescue the group, an upcoming meeting will decide whether the team should first work together to evacuate them or if the rescuers should split into two groups, with one continuing the search for those unaccounted for.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Hulst and Toomey decided to withdraw from the mile at the State meet.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Several Americans who were exposed to a rare strain of hantavirus on board a cruise ship this spring have returned home to finish the second half of their mandatory six-week quarantine.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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Navy fleets could deploy cooperative drone swarms to sweep for hazards without exposing humans to danger.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Byrom was arrested on Sunday, according to jail records viewed by PEOPLE.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Police said Gallardo Alvarez was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in injury or death.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Stop here for suggestions on the best nearby dog-friendly parks for your pup, to pick up breakfast vouchers, and to grab a list of participating local businesses that offer discounts to Hotel Lucia guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Rollins sneakily grabbed the title and put it near his abdomen.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Within Kyiv, five medical facilities and several residential and commercial blocks were damaged or destroyed, sparking fires, burning cars and knocking debris onto a kindergarten, authorities reported.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
-
Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Regular blood rechecks will be necessary and will determine the need for medications, possibly for the rest of her life.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
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Just like the choice between a gold or silver band and natural or lab-grown diamonds, engagement ring budgets are personal and should be determined by the couple's budget and long-term financial goals.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Archaeologists at the Stăuceni-Holm archaeological site in northeastern Romania uncovered a large prehistoric building linked to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
30 May 2026
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At the center of the story is the youngest daughter, Marjorie, who uncovers a dark secret within the family and is forced to face the unsettling reality that sometimes lies carry more power than truth.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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