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Definitions

nail

[neyl] / neɪl /
VERB
fasten, fix with pointed object
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attach hit pin tack whack
STRONG
beat bind drive hammer hold join pound secure sock spike strike
Antonyms
STRONGEST
detach separate unfasten
STRONG
give up halt let go loose loosen lose release stop untie
WEAK
liberate unnail
VERB
capture, arrest
Synonyms
STRONGEST
catch hook
STRONG
apprehend bag collar detain get nab pinch prehend secure seize take
Antonyms
STRONGEST
let go release
STRONG
fail free give liberate lose misunderstand offer receive
WEAK
unfasten unnail

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The album’s closer, “Driftin’ Cowboy,” will nail down this collection for some as outright folk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The other reason was we were hammers and so we saw everything as a nail.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Researchers are now working on a clear nail polish that could make that possible by turning long fingernails into touchscreen-compatible styluses.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Their numbers are hard to nail down, but in the first half of 2025, nearly 4 in 10 new vehicle registrations were hybrid and EV variants.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Leigh the Bard tapped her metallic nail on her chin.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova