NAIL-BITERS Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

nail-biters

noun

plural of nail-biter

as in thrillers

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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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-biters Although there have been hundreds of close calls and nail-biters, there have been some comebacks that feel like a movie come to life. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 The Avs, who won the President’s Trophy with the league’s best regular-season record, opened the playoffs with a pair of 2-1 nail-biters over the Kings. — ABC News, 4 May 2026 The Music Box continues its series celebrating nail-biters centered on prison breaks. — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 There's been thrillers, nail-biters, and a couple of upsets in the men's tournament. — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Frank Micelotta / Disney The race for best actor was one of the night’s true nail-biters. — Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026 But winning fewer than 40% of those nail-biters is the stuff that can become a habit. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth. — Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026 For the gym-goers and habitual nail-biters in your life, this is an essential gift. — The Editors, Outside, 14 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biters

thrillers

Noun

The author’s thrillers will be available in the United States and Canada for the first time in an eight-book deal through Hanover Square Press, kicking off with Conviction in 2027.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Romance stories and drama thrillers are still the dominant genres for short-form serials and recurring series, but that mix is changing.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of thrillers

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“Nail-biters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biters. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nail-biters

noun

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