Nail-biting — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər/ nail-bit·er

Meaning & Definition of Nail-biting

Nail-biting (noun)

  1. something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety

Nail-biting (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy, nerve-racking, nervous, restless, tense, uneasy, unnerving, unsettling, worrisome
    related: bothersome, troublesome, foreboding, misgiving, discouraging, disheartening, strained, restive, unrestful, awkward, embarrassing
    opposite: calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil
    near: restful, pacific

Related Entry: Nail-biter (noun)

Nail-biter is a different word from Nail-biting. The synonyms below are for nail-biter, not for nail-biting.

  1. 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"

    similar: cliff-hanger, hair-raiser, suspenser, thriller
    related: photo finish, squeaker
    near: yawner, blowout

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nail-biting

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nail-biting:

agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy, nerve-racking, nervous, restless, tense, uneasy, unnerving, unsettling, worrisome

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Nail-biting

Words with the opposite meaning of Nail-biting:

calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil

Related Words for Nail-biting

bothersome, troublesome, foreboding, misgiving, discouraging, disheartening, strained, restive, unrestful, awkward, embarrassing

Near Antonyms of Nail-biting

restful, pacific

Word Forms of Nail-biting

Derived words: nail-biting (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Nail-biting

First known use: 1950

Frequently Asked Questions about Nail-biting

What does "Nail-biting" mean?

"Nail-biting" means something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety.

What is another word for "Nail-biting"?

Other words for "Nail-biting" include agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing and fraught. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nail-biting" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nail-biting"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nail-biting". Common alternatives include agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy and nerve-racking.

What is the opposite of "Nail-biting"?

Antonyms of "Nail-biting" include calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting and tranquil. Near antonyms include restful and pacific.

How do you use "Nail-biting" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nail-biting" in a sentence: "for a couple of nail-biting moments we thought that we had actually won the mega lottery".

Is "Nail-biting" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nail-biting" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Nail-biting"?

"Nail-biting" is pronounced /ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər/ and divided into syllables as nail-bit·er.

What is the origin of the word "Nail-biting"?

First known use: 1950.