nailbiter
Britishnoun
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a person who bites his or her nails
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a person who is anxious or tense
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something that causes anxiety or tension
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The following season, the Bruins lost again in the Sweet 16, this time in a 78-69 nailbiter against Louisiana State.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
Sunday's was one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent years, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in a nailbiter.
From Salon ● Feb. 14, 2023
Kraken forward Ryan Donato admitted after this nailbiter of a game that it was indeed a test passed even if it required some late cramming.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 19, 2023
India won a nailbiter in Dhaka to beat Bangladesh and secure a 2-0 series win.
From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2022
It’s a nailbiter, but I expect the more self-consciously “big” performance to edge it, with Washington joining the likes of Meryl Streep in the elite three-timer club.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 23, 2017
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