1
as in bangs
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 decides
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce
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3
as in exposes
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 arrests
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 grabs
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 nails
Scherzinger also nails the comedy of a camp diva, inhabiting Norma’s delusion and ego without ever losing sight of her sincerity.
—
Kathryn Vandervalk, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Well cast are the kids, notably Miller as Rose, the older daughter who at first is under her mother’s protection before becoming the protector herself for sister Ollie, played by the exceptional young deaf actress Robbins who nails the role.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024
Kathryn Vandervalk, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Well cast are the kids, notably Miller as Rose, the older daughter who at first is under her mother’s protection before becoming the protector herself for sister Ollie, played by the exceptional young deaf actress Robbins who nails the role.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
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In this place, no one decides for others.Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
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How The Times decides who gets an obituary.Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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And Apple goes further, warning that RCS exposes user data beyond just content.Zak Doffman, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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One exposes the emotional, bruised side of Pushpa (Arjun’s character in the film) while the other one highlights his animal instincts and sheer power that often defies logic and gravity.Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The suspect then grabs a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton Hotel where Thompson would later be killed.Rachel Dobkin, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
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The old man later finds Rachel, who’s preoccupied that she’s lost Rollo, and grabs her in the stables.Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Kablam, the mug hits the floor in the scene and shatters into a zillion pieces.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Nick Mitchell was the Jays’ fourth-round pick in 2024, a corner outfielder who doesn’t chase much and hits fastballs well, but so far hasn’t shown enough power to profile as a regular in a corner.Keith Law, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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If Yoon is impeached, his presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court determines whether to reinstate him or remove him from office.Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
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The release noted that front-end height determines the point of impact on a pedestrian’s body, which is a key factor in the severity of injuries.Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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There's a good chance his final stat line will look much different by the end of the season as the offense settles in.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
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While experimenting with male and female costuming and behavior, Sylvia settles on what can be seen as a delicately balanced middle course in dealing with her gender identity.Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Elvis Presley lands a multi-genre smash this week in America, showing that even decades after his death, his music remains hugely popular.Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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The film lands an emotional gut punch with its verité filmmaking style while also shining a light on the strains the American justice system can put on families.Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Other thoughtful gestures could include crafting handmade items, printing a photo that captures your bond or any action that demonstrates time and effort, Ward said.Julianna Bragg, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
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The clip captures a group of little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species, waddling back toward the shore on a beach coast in New Zealand.Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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