nail-biter
noun
nail-bit·er
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence
a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
Recent Examples on the Web
The team that started 5-0 while dominating Major League Rugby has slipped up down the stretch, losing matches like last week’s nail-biter at Seattle.
—
Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
For the Bengals, the Ravens matchup has been a tough one: Cincinnati has lost each of the past three games, including last year’s nail-biter, 35-34.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 May 2025
The games have been, for the most part, nail-biters – unpredictable, competitive matchups that appear to be sowing the seeds for a new wave of NBA superstars and team rivalries that should play out for years to come.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 May 2025
During the opener, junior right-hander Matt Reardon tossed five innings for the win, surrendering just two runs on three hits while striking out six, as BC High (11-8) knocked off Plymouth North in a 4-3 nail-biter.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
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Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
For the Bengals, the Ravens matchup has been a tough one: Cincinnati has lost each of the past three games, including last year’s nail-biter, 35-34.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 May 2025
The games have been, for the most part, nail-biters – unpredictable, competitive matchups that appear to be sowing the seeds for a new wave of NBA superstars and team rivalries that should play out for years to come.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 May 2025
During the opener, junior right-hander Matt Reardon tossed five innings for the win, surrendering just two runs on three hits while striking out six, as BC High (11-8) knocked off Plymouth North in a 4-3 nail-biter.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nail-biter
Cite this Entry
“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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