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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Examples 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.
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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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There was no immediate report of casualties or details on what was hit.Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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But the latest model still pushes battery life to lengths few machines have hit in our testing, with an unprecedented 28 hours and 33 minutes of video playback time.Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Unfortunately, for this exact reason, the studios decided to steer clear of the second weekend of November, which means there’s nothing else to talk about.Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
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Several important House races have still yet to be decided.Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The campaigns exposed deep divides between the candidates and polarized the nation.Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
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This vulnerability exposed user information, including meeting IDs and personal details, leading to widespread concern about the security of virtual communication platforms.Jody Brazil, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The defendant, who was arrested Oct. 9, was scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 18.City News Service, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
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The case highlights ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, as the treatment of Americans arrested in Russia remains a point of contention.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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In response, Jason grabbed the individual's phone and threw it to the ground, a video that has been shared countless times on social media.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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So grab your favorite skillet and make good use of that overflowing bag of fruit from your local orchard or farmers market.Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Both campaigns have been trying to finish strong with turnout operations and door knocking right up until the polls close.Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
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Donald Trump made his closing pitch to supporters while knocking several of his opponents in his last rally of the presidential election on Monday night.Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The Trust's cash receipts are determined after deducting post-production costs and applicable taxes, with cash available for distribution reduced by administrative expenses.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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Police have not determined whether the person was killed in a slaying or whether a marine animal or a boating accident could have led to a decapitation, Martin said.Antonio Planas, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The remains of the town were initially discovered in 1599 and by the 19th Century, scientists began to uncover the remains and preserved several in plaster.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
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This technology can enable businesses to uncover patterns, trends and relationships that may not be visible through traditional data analysis.Narendra Babu Vattem, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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