1
as in 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in decided
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 exposed
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 arrested
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 grabbed
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nailed
But Berry nailed the draft with a defensive tackle, linebacker, tight end and running back.
—
Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The Gators led by three before Trent Burns nailed a buzzer-beating 3.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2026
Islanders star Mat Barzal then took matters into his own hands and nailed Marchment with his stick in a retaliatory move.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025
White then nailed a step back 3, drawing more roars, and Jones hit a reverse layup.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
Songs of the Irish Republican Army, a rusty alarm clock placed inside a bag and nailed to a wall, and feats of strength competitions were all up the boozy patriarch’s sleeve — all of this was likely too much for the Seinfeld audience.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025
And Dawson nailed the final drive, with five consecutive runs by Fletcher and the shovel pass to Toney.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
But in November New Glenn nailed that maneuver as well.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 22 Dec. 2025
Consuelos suited up in Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs uniform, while Ripa nailed Swift's game-day style with a red-and-white windbreaker, denim cutoffs and a backstage pass.
—Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nailed
Verb
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Iowa then got three good looks from the three-point line in the final seconds but couldn't hit the tying shot.—
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Despite their franchise history dating back to the mid-70s (via Kansas City and Colorado), which includes essentially all of the highest-scoring era in league history, the New Jersey Devils have never had a player hit either of the game’s most basic offensive milestones.—
Verb
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So last Monday, after scrolling through news of the government shutdown and with nothing else planned for the day, the couple decided to fire up their Pit Boss pellet grill and feed anyone who was hungry, no questions asked.—
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One such angel, however, decided to rebel against this way of life.—
Verb
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Leaving broken branches and stems in place potentially makes branch damage worse, allows bark to tear further, and leaves plants more exposed to diseases and winter winds.—
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In the case of avocados, and many other fruits, polyphenol oxidase changes the chemical structure of phenols when they're exposed to oxygen.—
Verb
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Adolescence follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller (Cooper), who is accused and arrested for murdering a teenage girl in his class.—
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Local officials have called for immigration authorities to leave the city and for the officer behind the shooting to be arrested.—
Verb
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Javonte Green missed a potential tying 3-point try and Paul Reed grabbed the rebound, but committed Detroit's 25th turnover.—
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Carolyn Collins scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Mya Korpal had 15 points as Winchester came back to defeat Reading 54-53 in Middlesex League play.—
Verb
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The group has smacked around quarterbacks, tackled well and dominated most key areas but hasn’t taken the ball away like an elite defense.—
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We’re getting smacked around by teams by 30, 40 points.—
Verb
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At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.—
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Investigators determined that four teenage boys were waiting for a bus at the Transit Mall when they were accosted by two young adult men wearing ski masks and dark clothing.—
Verb
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And first of all, correct the record on my own behalf, but also let the media know that there were these journalistic crimes that were committed, that were never uncovered, because New York Magazine, at the end of the day, didn’t want to get to the bottom of it.—
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Prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in various social-services programs, including a housing program for seniors, one that provides services to children with autism and the Federal Child Nutrition Program.—
Cite this Entry
“Nailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nailed. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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