nail-biter

noun

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər How to pronounce nail-biter (audio)
Definition of nail-biternext
as in thriller
something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nail-biter The World Cup final is only days away, and the entire month-long tournament has been an undisputed nail-biter and arguably one of the most fun watchable events of the year. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026 But even with Messi’s early goal, the game was a nail-biter, with Cape Verde scoring two brilliant goals while their goalie Vozinha made eight saves, including four shots (one of them a free kick) from Messi. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 There are myriad reasons why New Hampshire could be a nail-biter. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 After falling behind 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat then won four straight games to earn its first Larry O’Brien Trophy, the deciding game a 95-92 nail-biter on June 20, 2006, in which Wade finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds and was ultimately named NBA Finals MVP. — James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biter
thriller
Noun
  • The actress’ last film role was in the 2026 indie David Dastmalchian horror thriller The Cure.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Weys’ previous credits include the shorts Bergie (2022) and Versnel (2017), and the 50-minute-long thriller Koffie en Sigarette (2023).
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of thriller

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nail
nail-biter
nail-biters
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Cite this Entry

“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biter. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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