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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of nails
The second anybody nails it, the better.
—
Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024
Woodley nails Diana’s mean-waif combustibility, and both Colindrez and Ferreira, playing outsiders unimpressed with their welcome to the Dahl house, do lovely work.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
In director Jamie Lloyd’s electric and minimalist Broadway update of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1990s musical based on a ‘50s movie, the former Pussycat Doll nails the comedy of a camp diva — inhabiting former ingenue Norma’s delusion and ego without ever losing sight of her sincerity.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
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
Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024
Woodley nails Diana’s mean-waif combustibility, and both Colindrez and Ferreira, playing outsiders unimpressed with their welcome to the Dahl house, do lovely work.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
In director Jamie Lloyd’s electric and minimalist Broadway update of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1990s musical based on a ‘50s movie, the former Pussycat Doll nails the comedy of a camp diva — inhabiting former ingenue Norma’s delusion and ego without ever losing sight of her sincerity.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
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After sustaining an injury on New Year’s Eve, Max decides to change her life.Sally Tamarkin, Them, 23 Dec. 2024
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Gi-hun gives Sang-woo’s mother part of his winnings and decides to go home to see his daughter in the United States.Matt Minton, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This concentration creates significant daily volatility and exposes the fund to valuation risks.Joel Shulman, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024
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The data breach exposes sensitive personal and medical information belonging to over 910,000 patients through ConnectOnCall, a telehealth platform and after-hours call service owned by Phreesia.Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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For example, if the child grabs money, that could be an indicator of future wealth.Regina Kim, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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Whichever item the baby grabs is thought to predict their future.Regina Kim, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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First, there are those who lip-sync – like Kili Paul, a Tanzanian social media star who performs Bollywood and other movie hits against the backdrop of his rural community — a mix of greenery and low-slung buildings.Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024
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The Batman 2 is said to begin right as The Penguin ends and winter hits Gotham.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Citations are issued when the department determines a violation occurred.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
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Material The material of a dog jacket determines its durability (during playtime, walks, and daily activity), its resistance to rain, and how easily it can be cleaned — all factors that will contribute to longevity.Madison Yauger, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The best way to tackle this show is to watch Season 1, then look up the big spoiler for Season 2, and then skip Season 2 and watch Season 3, where the program ultimately settles into its melodramatic, soapy groove.Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
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As Seattle settles into the rainy season, don't expect a sea of umbrellas on the sidewalks.Christine Clarridge, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The film tells the story of a former Hollywood star (Moore) whose career decline lands her in Jane Fonda-style fitness-show territory.Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
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Expect a trade, possibly a deal that lands a long-term solution.Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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That is to say, Pinterest captures a wealth of data and culturally translates it into something more meaningful.Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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This film captures the rise, reign, and subsequent fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists, but also shines a light on how Black artists in America navigate the unseen burden that comes with their success.DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near nails
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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