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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
An outside group with ties to one of the state’s richest families is adding another $2 million to that kitty to boost Fischer’s late-emerging nail-biter against neophyte Dan Osborn.
—
Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
Despite only having one working leg, Derrick hopped his way into a nail-biter of a result.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
Go deeper: Ohio has the priciest Senate race this cycle
U.S. President
Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) will face former President Trump (Republican) in what's expected to be a nail-biter race nationally.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024
The 2024 election also appears to be a nail-biter where only a handful of votes in an important battleground state could determine the winner.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nail-biter 
Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
Despite only having one working leg, Derrick hopped his way into a nail-biter of a result.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
Go deeper: Ohio has the priciest Senate race this cycle
U.S. President
Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) will face former President Trump (Republican) in what's expected to be a nail-biter race nationally.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024
The 2024 election also appears to be a nail-biter where only a handful of votes in an important battleground state could determine the winner.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nail-biter
Thesaurus Entries Near nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biter. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share