Synonyms of nail

nail

verb

1

as in to 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

• hit
• knock
• slap
• smack
• punch
• bang
• slam
• strike
• clip
• whack
• clap
• bat
• pound
• swipe
• crack
• hammer
• box
• kick
• clock
• tap
• bash
• lick
• tag
• thump
• poke
• bob
• bludgeon
• sock
• push
• belt
• slug
• jab
• swat
• bop
• shove
• smite
• paste
• chop
• flick
• zap
• clobber
• rap
• stab
• clout
• bonk
• thwack
• whale
• bump
• stroke
• bust
• wallop
• biff
• slog
• rough
• maul
• beat
• stamp
• hang one on
• lash
• knee
• pummel
• pepper
• cuff
• batter
• mangle
• buffet
• bung
• butt
• pelt
• slash
• scuff
• pommel
• cream
• drub
• lace
• bunt
• spear
• fell
• floor
• deck
• whip
• lambaste
• cane
• skull
• prod
• brain
• dump
• bean
• sledge
• jostle
• club
• cudgel
• sap
• conk
• switch
• sledgehammer
• level
• knock down
• flail
• bowl (down or over)
• thrash
• flog
• sucker punch
• rabbit-punch

2

as in to decide

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute

this latest infidelity nails it—I'm filing for divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decide
• determine
• settle
• clinch
• clarify
• prove
• define
• establish
• ensure
• show
• nail (down)
• insure
• assure
• secure
• state
• demonstrate
• end
• finish
• specify
• affirm
• illuminate
• clear (up)
• conclude
• stipulate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confuse
• muddy
• muddle
• unsettle

3

as in to expose

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

• expose
• uncover
• show up
• debunk
• unmask
• demolish
• disclose
• discredit
• undress
• tell
• blow the whistle on
• disprove
• uncloak
• divulge
• unveil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mask
• disguise
• hide
• veil
• conceal
• camouflage
• cloak
• secrete

4

as in to arrest

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• restrain
• run in
• nick
• capture
• pinch
• detain
• pull in
• snatch
• jail
• commit
• bust
• trap
• nab
• pick up
• catch
• collar
• hook
• snare
• grapple
• confine
• imprison
• incarcerate
• land
• snap (up)
• bag
• bind
• get
• hold
• lock (up)
• handcuff
• shackle
• intern
• jug
• fetter
• immure
• manacle
• remand
• trammel
• enchain
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• loosen
• loose
• spring
• liberate
• free
• emancipate
• unchain
• unbind

5

as in to grab

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

• grab
• catch
• snatch
• seize
• capture
• get
• trap
• land
• hook
• snag
• snare
• grapple
• rap
• nab
• net
• corral
• bag
• take hold (of)
• snap (up)
• cop
• rope
• nobble
• collar
• clutch
• glove
• grasp
• hold
• glom
• grip
• fist
• arrest
• corner
• apprehend
• bay
• secure
• clasp
• detain
• kidnap
• rend
• latch (on or onto)
• lasso
• fasten (on)
• halter
• mesh
• abduct
• wrest
• entrap
• ensnare
• spirit (away or off)
• entangle
• enmesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• discharge
• drop
• liberate
• free
• loosen
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nail

And yet when Winston took over for Dart in Monday’s first quarter, and as the Giants’ offense floundered while falling behind big, Beckham was nailed to the bench. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Bottom line Meta nailed it Wednesday, and Wall Street is taking notice. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

A week with the 2027 Dodge Charger Scat Pack revealed that the team involved nailed some parts of this reboot but fumbled plenty of others. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026

The distressed, vintage Elvira tee and oversized, brown leather jacket are spot-on grunge, the super-short lace shorts recall the babydoll vibes of the time, and the white knee-high boots nail the era's obsession with retro mod looks. — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing nail

• tooth and nail