nail-biting

adjective

Definition of nail-bitingnext
as in tense
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nail-biting
  1. tense
  2. uneasy
  3. disturbing
  4. unsettling
  5. anxious
  6. nervous
  7. restless
  8. creepy
Adjective
  • Double Feature Paddington 2 Another great villainous role for Hugh Grant, though not quite as tense, is in Paul King’s Paddington sequel.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Then, Indian troops moved into the area to block China – sparking a tense, 73-day standoff that threatened to pitch the rivals into conflict.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of tense
Adjective
  • That raises uneasy questions about Worthington’s social fabric and how to celebrate distinct cultures while overcoming ethnic self-segregation.
    Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Apostates ties hunters with these organizations more closely as uneasy allies, rivals or even direct antagonists.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • The issue is complicated by the fact that those on X likely see Musk's posts with almost disturbing regularity.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • These are just some of the disturbing incidents that have taken place in the last 10 days alone.
    Tess Owen, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • The great director Hiro Murai collaborated with Glover on one of the most unsettling half-hours of TV in the 2010s, an experience that unfolded without commercial breaks.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The only person who sees what’s disturbing about her is her daughter, Eva, and very soon all will see what is unsettling about her, too.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
Definition of unsettling
Adjective
  • Boutin has been in remission from thyroid cancer since August, but just had a related surgery last week and the couple was anxious about Boutin inhaling any smoke.
    CNN.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Lines at downtown precincts were busy and people who have been inundated with out-of-town organizers and ads for months could be heard speculating about the results on their cellphones, anxious to see a conclusion to the contest.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • Bucks that seem alert and nervous — look for twitchy ears and a constantly bobbing head — are more likely to detect you movement and are also more likely to duck arrows.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Voters interviewed at polling sites described losing sleep and waking up early, nervous and worried over who would win the election.
    Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • If motion isolation is a priority, look for a mattress that has features that help minimize motion transfer and reduce sleep disturbances if one partner is restless or active throughout the night.
    Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
  • This subconscious alertness can lead to lighter and more restless sleep, known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.
    Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2024
Definition of restless
Adjective
  • Luna rocked a black and red creepy clown look, while Miles dressed up and dabbed as DJ Marshmello.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
  • TikTokers shared similarly creepy encounters in the video's comments.
    Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of creepy
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near nail-biting

nail-biters

nail-biting

nail (down)

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Nail-biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nail-biting. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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