as in thriller
something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
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Recent Examples of nail-biter
This holiday shopping season is turning out to be a nail-biter for many retailers — and with good reason.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024
Since Young's return, the Panthers have defeated the New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants, and only lost a nail-biter to the Kansas City Chiefs.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024
Acosta noted that Newsom’s record had been used by supporters of GOP Rep. John Duarte in advertisements against Democratic challenger Adam Gray in the Central Valley’s nail-biter battle for California’s 13th Congressional District, which remains too close to call.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Perhaps the greater intrigue nationally lies with Arizona’s nail-biter U.S. House race between Kirsten Engel and Juan Ciscomani, which could help determine whether Trump has a Republican trifecta to work with, or whether the House could become his policy stopper.
—Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nail-biter 
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024
Since Young's return, the Panthers have defeated the New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants, and only lost a nail-biter to the Kansas City Chiefs.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024
Acosta noted that Newsom’s record had been used by supporters of GOP Rep. John Duarte in advertisements against Democratic challenger Adam Gray in the Central Valley’s nail-biter battle for California’s 13th Congressional District, which remains too close to call.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Perhaps the greater intrigue nationally lies with Arizona’s nail-biter U.S. House race between Kirsten Engel and Juan Ciscomani, which could help determine whether Trump has a Republican trifecta to work with, or whether the House could become his policy stopper.
—Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biter. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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