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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in decides
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 exposes
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nails
The Adidas Handball Spezial nails a mix of iconic Adidas design and subtle trend twist, perfect for strolling city streets or travel days.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
The Acer Aspire Go 15 laptop is $300 off and nails the basics with smooth performance for work, streaming, and calls, plus a sturdy build that feels dependable every day.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
SpaceX’s Starship nails 11th test flight SpaceX’s Starship, the biggest and most powerful spacecraft ever launched, successfully completed its 11th test flight, bringing the company closer to sending humans to other worlds.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Endless Space 2 nails the basics of the genre and then stacks plenty of distinct elements on top to create something that’s memorable.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The humanoid also nails a couple of spins and launches a few punches.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Nick Folk nails the 52-yard field goal to get the Jets on the board first.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Andrew Greif New England nails a 52-yard field goal to take a 23-20 lead with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
The Acer Aspire Go 15 laptop is $300 off and nails the basics with smooth performance for work, streaming, and calls, plus a sturdy build that feels dependable every day.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
SpaceX’s Starship nails 11th test flight SpaceX’s Starship, the biggest and most powerful spacecraft ever launched, successfully completed its 11th test flight, bringing the company closer to sending humans to other worlds.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Endless Space 2 nails the basics of the genre and then stacks plenty of distinct elements on top to create something that’s memorable.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The humanoid also nails a couple of spins and launches a few punches.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Nick Folk nails the 52-yard field goal to get the Jets on the board first.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
This barrel chair nails that sweet spot between playful and polished.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Andrew Greif New England nails a 52-yard field goal to take a 23-20 lead with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nails
Verb
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The sheep alien bangs its head on the glass in the nextdoor cell, startling Tootles, who falls over and spills the tray.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Orpheus, unwilling to have anything to do with women again, chooses to become a swan in his next life, while a swan decides to become a man.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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Lawmakers will receive a 48-hour notice if the speaker changes his mind and decides to bring them back to vote.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And in the 1963 Czech cult classic The Cassandra Cat, a tabby exposes the truth by making people’s skin change color based on their moral character — red for love, orange or violet for hypocrisy.—
Steve Garbarino,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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At its heart, industry observers say, the dispute exposes hard truths about America’s retirement savings conundrum.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After Grace quotes Zooey Deschanel's character, Thames grabs her face and kisses her out of the frame.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Another strong Lions performance could mark a turning point this season where Detroit grabs control of the division and doesn't look back.—
Nick Meyer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This week, Megan Thee Stallion enters her lover girl era, Hayley Williams throws it back to Paramore’s After Laughter heyday with a funky love song, and Demi Lovato hits the club or her new not-that-deep studio album.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
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New Delhi pollution hits five-year high Air pollution in New Delhi hit a five-year high this week, as Diwali fireworks combined with farming fires to shroud the city in a toxic haze.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Trust, however, is what determines adoption.—
Scott R. Schell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Collinsworth has invited coaches to come look at how PFF determines its ratings.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This kind of marital embedding involves a whole lotta acting, as Elizabeth Lo’s compelling documentary reveals, but also uncovers a whole world of loneliness, heartache and occasional wisdom.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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Through emails, documents, and secret correspondence, Bee uncovers a witty and heartfelt story about motherhood and navigating an absurd world.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dolores notices they are gone and begins to lash out, and Abby seizes an opportunity to knock Dolores out.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
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Continue reading … CRYPTO CRACKDOWN – DOJ seizes record $15 billion in Bitcoin in largest US forfeiture ever.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nails. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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