nail-biting

adjective

Definition of nail-bitingnext
as in tense
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biting
  1. tense
  2. uneasy
  3. disturbing
  4. unsettling
  5. anxious
  6. nervous
  7. restless
  8. creepy
Adjective
  • During the preliminary round, the two teams played in a tense battle that needed overtime for just one goal, which Team USA won 1-0.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Carter kept Ribicoff involved during the tense Camp David negotiations and included him in some private meetings with the participants.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of tense
Adjective
  • But the series also revealed an uneasy disconnect between the British public and the media.
    Katie Marie Davies, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Sinner and Alcaraz have had some superb matches – the China Open was one ATP tour final for the ages – but there's an uneasy chasm to jump between the end of the Big Four Era and the wave of Next Gen talent.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • The most disturbing thing about the Red Wings’ place in the standings is not merely their win/loss totals.
    Max Bultman, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Jacob Cockcroft finds that one of the most disturbing parts of the case.
    Kyani Reid, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • And Robert Zemeckis' 2009 take featuring Jim Carrey is noteworthy for a few reasons: Not only are the ghosts downright terrifying, but the animation style is also unsettling, and may scare you for all the wrong reasons.
    Huntley Woods, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
  • In addition to this unsettling experience, Robbins shared with Newsweek a moment of unexpected kindness during her return flight.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of unsettling
Adjective
  • Glumly marching to the stage, Wallen appears to tune out the anxious producer’s notes about looking at the camera and remembering to smile.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Dec. 2024
  • In contrast, those with anxious attachment styles may become overly focused on caregiving as a way to gain approval or security in the relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • The man who appears in her cozy home is reserved and nervous (he’s played by H. Jon Benjamin, offering the rare and welcome dramatic turn for the comedian and voice actor).
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Jan. 2025
  • There was a nervous wait before David broke the news that Ten Hag was being kept on and then Laurie and Adam launched their big read with some remarkable details of the talks the club had held with other managers before deciding to stick with Ten Hag.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Anfield was growing restless, with a succession of aimless crosses being slung into the penalty area.
    James Pearce, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Then there are the polymaths, restless and curious explorers who move between sectors and organizations.
    Ann Kirschner, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of restless
Adjective
  • Jiraiya Look, yes, Jiraiya is a bit of a creepy weirdo, but as a mentor for Naruto, there really couldn't be a better choice.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • There was big creepy marketing push and sarcophagus popcorn tins sold out fast.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
Definition of creepy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near nail-biting

nail-biters

nail-biting

nail (down)

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Nail-biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biting. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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