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
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Recent Examples of nail
By nailing down Chance as the festival’s finale, before even his star-making turn at this year’s Grammy Awards, Sasquatch! grabbed one of this year’s marquee live acts for their youthful audience.
—
Charles R. Cross, The Seattle Times, 24 May 2017
Why does Apple nail what channel the Cavs game is on but Google does not?
—Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017
Finally, in 2011, Shell and Eni paid the government $1.3 billion, including about $200 million as a signature bonus -- a onetime fee charged by some oil-producing nations -- to nail down the contract once and for all.
—Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, 9 May 2017
How could anyone nail both the keys and the rhythms with perfect accuracy?
—David Pogue, Scientific American, 3 July 2017
See all Example Sentences for nail 
Charles R. Cross, The Seattle Times, 24 May 2017
Why does Apple nail what channel the Cavs game is on but Google does not?
—Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017
Finally, in 2011, Shell and Eni paid the government $1.3 billion, including about $200 million as a signature bonus -- a onetime fee charged by some oil-producing nations -- to nail down the contract once and for all.
—Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, 9 May 2017
How could anyone nail both the keys and the rhythms with perfect accuracy?
—David Pogue, Scientific American, 3 July 2017
See all Example Sentences for nail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail
Verb
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Solo Ball, the only UConn player to make a 3-pointer until McNeeley hit one with five minutes to go, finished with 13 points and a team-best six assists.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2025
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Bellinger has pulled the ball at a 45% clip throughout his career, and he’s hit flyballs 44.3% of the time.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The singer decided to busk on the city’s Church Street ahead of his concert, but police officers literally pulled the plug, saying Sheeran didn’t have proper permission.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2025
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Remember, this was more than a decade ago, when coaches were far more conservative in deciding to go for it or punt.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Children exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetrators of it later on.—
Meg Anderson,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2025
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Last month, six massage therapists alleged that the kicker exposed his genitals, brushed his genitals against them and left ejaculate on massage tables, per the Banner.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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What To Know Jack Lasota, 34, was arrested on Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, 33.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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In exchange for Hamas releasing three more Israeli hostages, Israel freed another 369 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, most of whom were arrested in the Gaza Strip after the terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
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Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Someone knocked on the Malibu, drawing Jeff back out of the car.—
Elizabeth Keogh,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
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In May 2024, CNN released hotel security footage from 2016 that showed Combs striking Cassie, knocking her to the ground, and dragging her down a hallway.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Homicide investigators were called to the scene, and the county Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the cause of death.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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This eclectic group, renowned in their respective fields, is set to evaluate the international and folk competition entries, determining the winners of the coveted Gaviota de Plata awards.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.—
David Aldridge,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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Something gets uncovered and suddenly this or that candidate falls away.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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