nailed
/neɪld/
VERB
1. Fastened or attached with nails
Fixed or joined one object to another by driving nails through them.
1.1. Fastening and securing objects
Used when objects or materials are joined, attached, or secured with nails or similar fasteners.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- unfastened
- detached
- unattached
- loosened
- released
Examples
- The carpenter carefully nailed the pieces of wood together to form a sturdy structure.
- He nailed the wooden boards to the frame.
- The decorative panels were securely fastened to the wall.
Related Words
1.2. Studded or ornamented with nails
Used when a surface is decorated, reinforced, or fitted with nails or nail-like metal projections.
Synonyms
- studded
- spiked
- bossed
Examples
- The craftsman nailed decorative metal studs along the leather strap.
- The wooden door was studded with ornamental nails.
- The old shield was reinforced with metal bosses.
Related Words
- stud
- spike
- boss
- metalwork
- ornamentation
- decoration
- rivets
VERB
2. Caught or apprehended someone
Successfully caught, captured, or taken someone into custody, especially a person suspected of a crime.
2.1. Capturing and arresting someone
Used when someone is successfully located, caught, seized, or arrested by authorities or other pursuers.
Synonyms
- apprehended
- arrested
- captured
- caught
- nabbed
- seized
- collared
- detained
- jailed
- incarcerated
- bagged
- netted
- snared
- ensnared
- trapped
Antonyms
- freed
- released
- liberated
- emancipated
Examples
- The police finally nailed the suspect after months of investigation.
- The detectives nailed the fugitive before he could leave the country.
- Authorities apprehended the suspect following a lengthy investigation.
Related Words
- arrest
- custody
- detention
- imprisonment
- law enforcement
- suspect
- capture
- investigation
VERB
3. Exposed something as false or fraudulent
Revealed that something was false, dishonest, fraudulent, or merely a sham.
3.1. Exposing deception and false claims
Used when revealing a deception, discrediting a false claim, or showing that something presented as genuine is actually fraudulent or misleading.
Synonyms
- debunked
- discredited
- exposed
- unmasked
- uncovered
- disclosed
- divulged
- revealed
- disproved
- demonstrated
Antonyms
- concealed
- camouflaged
- cloaked
- disguised
- masked
- veiled
Examples
- The journalist nailed the fraudulent claims in her investigation.
- The report exposed the company's misleading advertising practices.
- Investigators uncovered the deception behind the elaborate scheme.
Related Words
VERB
4. Accomplished something completely and successfully
Performed or completed a task, activity, or performance very successfully and accurately.
4.1. Performing something successfully
Used informally when someone executes a task exceptionally well, achieves a desired result, or performs something with great accuracy.
Synonyms
- aced
- accomplished
- achieved
- completed
- executed
- performed
- mastered
- attained
- excelled
- pulled off
- carried out
- fulfilled
Antonyms
- failed
- missed
- fumbled
- botched
Examples
- She confidently nailed the presentation, impressing the entire audience.
- The chef skillfully nailed the recipe, creating a delicious masterpiece.
- Despite the challenging task, he effortlessly nailed the difficult dance routine.
Related Words
- achievement
- success
- mastery
- performance
- execution
- accomplishment
- completion
- excellence
VERB
5. Hit a target accurately or effectively
Struck or hit a target, person, or object effectively, often with considerable force or precision.
5.1. Striking and hitting a target
Used when someone hits a person or object with accuracy or force, particularly with a weapon or physical blow.
Synonyms
- hit
- struck
- banged
- bashed
- clobbered
- clocked
- whacked
- smacked
- walloped
- thumped
- pounded
- punched
- socked
- swatted
- bludgeoned
- decked
- beaned
- belted
Antonyms
- missed
- avoided
- dodged
Examples
- With precision and accuracy, the archer consistently nailed the bullseye in the target.
- The baseball player nailed the ball with a powerful swing.
- The boxer nailed his opponent with a sharp punch.
Related Words
VERB
6. Made something certain or firmly established
Made something definite, certain, or conclusive by confirming or settling the relevant details.
6.1. Confirming and settling details
Used in the expression "nail down" when making an arrangement, decision, fact, or detail definite and certain.
Synonyms
- confirmed
- affirmed
- established
- determined
- decided
- settled
- specified
- defined
- stipulated
- resolved
- secured
Antonyms
Examples
- The two companies nailed down the terms of the agreement.
- The team nailed down the final date for the product launch.
- The investigation helped establish exactly what had happened.
Related Words
- confirmation
- certainty
- agreement
- decision
- determination
- clarification
- verification
- finalization
VERB
7. Engaged in sexual intercourse
A vulgar or informal expression meaning that a man had sexual intercourse with someone.
7.1. Sexual intercourse
Used as crude slang to describe a man having sexual intercourse with another person.
Synonyms
- had sex with
- slept with
- bedded
- had intercourse with
Examples
- The expression was used crudely to describe a man who had sex with someone.
- The character bragged about sleeping with someone he had recently met.
- The phrase is considered vulgar in many social settings.
Related Words
- sexual intercourse
- sexual activity
- intimacy
- sexual relations