Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for nail-biting. Search instead for nail-bitings.
Definitions

nail-biting

[neyl-bahy-ting] / ˈneɪlˌbaɪ tɪŋ /
ADVERB
on edge
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious edgy fidgety high-strung hyper impatient in suspense jittery jumpy nerves on edge nervous skittish uneasy wired
NOUN
anxiety
Synonyms
STRONGEST
angst apprehension concern disquiet doubt dread jitters misery misgiving mistrust nervousness panic restlessness suffering suspense trouble uncertainty unease uneasiness
STRONG
botheration butterflies care creeps disquietude distress downer drag fidgets flap foreboding fretfulness fuss heebie-jeebies jumps needles shakes shivers solicitude sweat watchfulness willies worriment
WEAK
all-overs ants in pants cold sweat goose bumps pins and needles
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantage belief blessing calm calmness certainty collectedness confidence contentment ease faith happiness joy peace security sureness trust
STRONG
peacefulness
WEAK
assurance composure nonchalance tranquility
NOUN
tension
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxiety apprehension concern discomfort hostility jitters nervousness pressure strain suspense unease worry
STRONG
agitation brunt disquiet edginess jumps nerves restlessness shakes uneasiness worriment
WEAK
ants in pants antsiness bad feeling pins and needles
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calmness ease peace
STRONG
calm
WEAK
contentedness limpness looseness relaxation slack
NOUN
unease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
angst apprehension disquiet doubt dread foreboding jitters misgiving mistrust nervousness panic restlessness uncertainty uneasiness worry
STRONG
anxiousness botheration butterflies care concern creeps disquietude distress downer drag fidgets flap fretfulness fuss heebie-jeebies jumps misery needles shakes shivers solicitude suffering suspense sweat trouble watchfulness willies worriment
WEAK
all-overs ants in pants cold sweat goose bumps pins and needles
Antonyms
STRONGEST
belief calm calmness certainty collectedness confidence ease faith security sureness trust
STRONG
advantage benefit blessing happiness health joy peace peacefulness pleasure

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.

Paul, 28, held his nerve in a nail-biting third set to dig out a 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 triumph in 2hr 40min to claim the fifth ATP title of his career.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

But underneath all the nail-biting is a solid foundation—Arsenal hasn’t climbed to the top of the league by accident.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks lead England to an unlikely four-wicket win over New Zealand in a nail-biting finish at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

“We’re all in that nail-biting, last-minute phase of, ‘Are we going to get these rooms booked or not?’ ” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

After the war ended, Elizebeth’s work offered no more moments of nail-biting suspense, just endless tedium.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield