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
Suggs missed his first eight shots before nailing a 3-pointer from the corner for an 85-80 lead.
—
ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Along with nailing the transfer portal, of course.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Jambert says the key to nailing the modern take on the movement is to seek a balance between the two.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
But according to designers, nailing the maximalist look does require some restraint, especially for knick-knack collectors and those who love to save a buck by opting for more modest-sized rugs and art.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Rolex’s sailing watch is a count-down chronograph with a programmable timing function for the difficult task of nailing the start of a sailing race.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Capable of nailing the extraordinary, but messing up the mundane.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Of nailing one’s excuses to their own crosses and leaving them there.
—Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Along with nailing the transfer portal, of course.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Jambert says the key to nailing the modern take on the movement is to seek a balance between the two.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
But according to designers, nailing the maximalist look does require some restraint, especially for knick-knack collectors and those who love to save a buck by opting for more modest-sized rugs and art.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026
Rolex’s sailing watch is a count-down chronograph with a programmable timing function for the difficult task of nailing the start of a sailing race.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Capable of nailing the extraordinary, but messing up the mundane.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Of nailing one’s excuses to their own crosses and leaving them there.
—Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailing
Verb
-
That passion to play every moment to the hilt, along with her powerful hitting stroke, that came with being a coach’s daughter.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
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Horner told a false story about hitting the little girl with his van and then strangling her in a panic, according to testimony of the case’s lead investigator, Texas Ranger Job Espinoza.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Consult with two or three other legal representatives before deciding whom to use.—
Albinson Linares,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
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Brown, however, opted against inserting McBride into the starting lineup, instead deciding to stick with Bridges, who is averaging just seven points on 25% shooting from 3-point range this series.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The staff kept operations running under armed guard for nearly three weeks, exposing personnel to radiation doses well beyond the limits of their normal rotation schedules.—
Hanna Arhirova,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
During heavy rain, sewage can overflow into waterways, exposing people to toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The affidavit further alleges that Bell gave arresting officers the name of her older sister.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
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The Houston Police Department’s policy has barred officers from arresting or detaining someone based on immigration status since 1990.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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The Seahawks stayed put yet again at the end of the second round, grabbing TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th pick.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Iranians have been knocking around in the United States’ critical infrastructure for years.—
Sue Halpern,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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Serve it at room temperature so the salad on top won't wilt (and the cooking is complete before the guests come knocking).—
Ashlyn Ware,
Midwest Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This draft class will go a long way toward determining whether Glenn and Mougey stick around beyond 2026.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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So home viewers should make sure to be looking at the streaming listings when determining when to tune in.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But neuroscientists are still uncovering fundamental rules that describe how neuroplasticity reshapes brain connections.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
24 Apr. 2026
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The 60-minute journey takes parkgoers through Universal’s working production facility, uncovering the magic of cinema while intermixing attraction experiences.—
Carly Caramanna,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailing. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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