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
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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
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Recent Examples of nail
Few writers have nailed the interpersonal thriller better than Kitamura.
—
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
But a few hours later, there was Thomson’s steady catcher spinning around and pumping his right fist after nailing Shohei Ohtani at second base to end the eighth inning.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Hoffman nails every beat of this scene, always appearing in full control but also considerate and loving.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The nostalgic origins Korean jelly nails The allure of shiny, glittery, watery nails for spring and summer is easy to understand—on TikTok alone, #jellynails already boasts more than 20,000 entries and counting.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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The Yankees have not suddenly forgotten how to hit.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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The 33-year-old outfielder has a .278 batting average and has hit seven home runs in 72 games this season.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
Verb
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The deciding game of the series will be played on Sunday afternoon.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2025
-
And if the Iranians decide to expand this, then that's ultimately their decision.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
22 June 2025
Verb
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The polarizing Talbott’s underdeveloped ground game was exposed against Barcelos.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The reason is simple: chaos exposes inefficiencies and bold opportunities.—
Victoria Chynoweth,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, was initially arrested in June 2019, along with Troconis, and charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
-
Trump embodies right wing lawlessness—judges arrested, a senator assaulted, court orders ignored, corruption rampant.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Verb
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In the few months since its launch, JD.com has grabbed 7.5% of China’s food-delivery market after its daily meal orders reached 20 million on May 13, according to a May 14 research note from Blue Lotus Capital Advisors.—
Yue Wang,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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To help keep your home safe (and know when your Prime Day packages arrive), grab a Ring Battery Doorbell with Indoor Cam for under $150.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Immediately after being traded and added to the team’s group chat, the chirps started flying. Bennett, who knocked Marchand out of a couple games of the playoffs last year with a controversial hit, was the first victim.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark got hit in the eye and knocked to the ground, while also doing some shoving of her own, during a testy and physical game against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night in Indianapolis.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Future studies with more participants—measuring the long-term effects of these diets—are needed to determine who benefits the most from each one.—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
14 June 2025
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There is no update on the containment progress of the fire and its cause has yet to be determined. Source: National Interagency Fire Center This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 3:56 PM.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2025
Verb
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The report uncovered significant inequities between men and women, but despite such revelations, the Agency stopped short of implementing any new policies to course-correct.—
Christina Hillsberg,
People.com,
16 June 2025
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What stood out was how specific improvements uncovered weaknesses in the overall risk approach.—
Dimitar Dimitrov,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
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