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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to decide
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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.
—
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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Solo Ball, the only UConn player to make a 3-pointer until McNeeley hit one with five minutes to go, finished with 13 points and a team-best six assists.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2025
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In the video, O'Leary wailed after the metal object hit him in the chest.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The singer decided to busk on the city’s Church Street ahead of his concert, but police officers literally pulled the plug, saying Sheeran didn’t have proper permission.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2025
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Shortly after, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue decided to close parts of their beaches for swimming.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Children exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetrators of it later on.—
Meg Anderson,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2025
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New Mexico officials are notifying people possibly exposed to measles.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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What To Know Jack Lasota, 34, was arrested on Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, 33.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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In exchange for Hamas releasing three more Israeli hostages, Israel freed another 369 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, most of whom were arrested in the Gaza Strip after the terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
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Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The blow knocked Cronin unconscious, according to the lawsuit.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2025
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The following day, an undercover officer with the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force disguised as a delivery driver knocked on Bonifacio’s door to deliver the package.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Homicide investigators were called to the scene, and the county Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the cause of death.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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The way the system currently functions, each driver's performance in the play-off largely determines who will win the championship, despite their performance earlier in the season.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.—
David Aldridge,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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When Isaiah is imprisoned for attempting to assassinate Ross, despite the evidence of his mind being controlled, Sam disobeys Ross and decides to uncover the conspiracy himself, along with his partner Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).—
Richard Newby,
The Hollywood Reporter,
16 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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