1
as in hitting
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 deciding
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 exposing
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 arresting
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 grabbing
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 nailing
The most notable challenge was, of course, nailing the right shade of green for Cynthia Erico’s Elphaba.
—
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
One of the main elements in creating a comfortable environment for guests in your home is nailing the perfect thermostat temperature.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024
Wrapped in Red, Clarkson’s 2013 holiday album, was another example of Clarkson nailing the pop-star ideal.
—Maura Johnston, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
Following much trial and error, the first prototype made its public debut at a Toyota Engineering Society event in 2018, managing to impress attendees by nailing nine out of 10 hoops.
—New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024
Wright had kicked in two games for the Chiefs, nailing 8-9 of his field goal attempts and making both extra point attempts across the two games.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
The Lions kicker played hero yet again after nailing a 35-yard field goal as the clock expired to help secure a 34-31 victory over their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on Thursday Night Football.
—Jacob Lev, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
Everyone knows the perfect balance to nailing an OOTD is looking semi-effortless.
—Elle Turner, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2024
Beauty influencer Tanisha Cherry says that this dryer is the secret to nailing her flawless look.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
One of the main elements in creating a comfortable environment for guests in your home is nailing the perfect thermostat temperature.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024
Wrapped in Red, Clarkson’s 2013 holiday album, was another example of Clarkson nailing the pop-star ideal.
—Maura Johnston, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
Following much trial and error, the first prototype made its public debut at a Toyota Engineering Society event in 2018, managing to impress attendees by nailing nine out of 10 hoops.
—New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024
Wright had kicked in two games for the Chiefs, nailing 8-9 of his field goal attempts and making both extra point attempts across the two games.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
The Lions kicker played hero yet again after nailing a 35-yard field goal as the clock expired to help secure a 34-31 victory over their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on Thursday Night Football.
—Jacob Lev, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
Everyone knows the perfect balance to nailing an OOTD is looking semi-effortless.
—Elle Turner, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2024
Beauty influencer Tanisha Cherry says that this dryer is the secret to nailing her flawless look.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
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In 2011, Meester, who was at the height of her Gossip Girl fame, attended the event as a presenter, hitting the stage Garrett Hedlund to give out an award.—
Luke Chinman,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
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Players continue hitting the cue ball off other balls to try and get their balls into pockets until only the eight ball remains.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This summer is likely to be a key point in deciding his future — the two-year mark is usually when clubs either renew a contract or move on a player to maximise possible earnings.—
Gregg Evans,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
-
This could be as simple as burning a letter or keeping a small personal memento of the relationship and then deciding to release it.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Moreover, unclear policies and tracking mechanisms may prevent companies from aligning legal, ethical and regulatory standards in AI systems, potentially exposing the organization to compliance violations and associated penalties.—
Son Nguyen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The solace of female intimacy is too exposing.—
Rachel Aviv,
The New Yorker,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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As Andrew Lloyd Webber’s go-to orchestrator during some of the composer’s most creative years, Cullen has translated many of the composer’s most arresting melodies into lush, full-bodied and evocative orchestral music.—
Darryn King,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
By then, Texas police were beginning to surpass federal authorities in arresting and prosecuting people for human smuggling.—
Alejandro Serrano,
Austin American-Statesman,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Allen — who has steadily received more playing time as the season has progressed based on his defense but has also shown flashes offensively and has displayed solid free-throw shooting — played the best of the bunch, scoring nine points in 22 minutes of play and grabbing five rebounds.—
Grant Salsman,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2025
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The monkey, perched on a high ledge, has stolen the man's spectacles — by jumping on the man's shoulder and grabbing them.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While investigators are still determining Livelsberger's motives for detonating the explosives outside the hotel, his alleged manifesto has provided some clues.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
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While investigators are still determining Livelsberger's motives for detonating the explosives outside the hotel, his alleged manifesto, emailed to Shoemate, has provided some clues.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This approach does what trial-and-error cannot by uncovering the root causes of obesity.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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Driven by his instincts, Fok begins to dig deeper into the case, uncovering a labyrinthine conspiracy that threads through Hong Kong’s criminal underworld and its upper echelons of power.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) forces have since received training by Russian forces in the Far East and first engaged in combat with Ukrainian military in November, subsequently seizing their first village in Kursk, Plekhovo, earlier this month.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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