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
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2
as in to decide
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce
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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
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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
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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
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Examples 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.
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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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The Powerball jackpot has not been hit since Dec. 7, when a New York player won the $256 million grand prize, lottery officials said.Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
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George Michael and Pop Smoke both hit No. 1 with albums titled Faith.Paul Grein, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The new leadership at the S.E.C. is likely to decide on rules that could significantly increase the value of Ethereum, Bitcoin and tokens at World Liberty Financial.Karen Yourish, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
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Bezos, the Amazon founder who also owns the Washington Post, decided to withhold the newspaper’s endorsement of Harris over Trump in the presidential race.Nik Popli, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
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The half-acre property features the one-bedroom historic home, which has been preserved with original period details like a Rumford cooking fireplace, exposed beams, wide-plank hardwood floors, and windows.Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2025
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Despite The Doors' popularity, Morrison faced a tarnished reputation after exposing himself at a Miami concert in March 1969.Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
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Tara Card, 42, is also accused of having methamphetamine when Woodland police arrested her on Dec. 27.Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
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Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested and charged Sunday in Indianapolis following an investigation, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced in a news release Monday.Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Zar rushed to a drawer and grabbed from it passports, as well as insurance and banking documents.Ray Sanchez, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
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So grab your favorite streaming device, line up some snacks, and let the enchantment unfold.Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As of that date, an additional 30,000 MW of potential new loads had also come knocking at AEP’s door (a figure likely to be even larger today).Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
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In the middle of one firefight, Lozano also got knocked senseless by the blast wave from a tank gun.Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Additional factors which can determine a sentence such as whether a weapon was used or the quantity of drugs trafficked or money stolen were not released to the Herald per Florida laws.Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
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Waiting, rather than deciding on an MSR plan now, will also allow time for the next NASA administrator and the Trump White House to determine whether either option aligns with the administration's goals for space exploration.Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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With research from the Manhattan Institute showing that police slow, prevent or uncover more serious crimes by taking all routine precautions, about 45% of all crimes reported ended in arrest, marking the second-highest rate in the past decade.Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Jan. 2025
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Moving to the east against the background stars at its own apparent diameter each hour, the moon will appear to approach Mars from the west (right) and ultimately pass in front of it, and then shortly thereafter, uncover it, and leave it behind as the moon continues to move to the east.Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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