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Definition of nailbiting

nailbiting

/ˈneɪlˌbaɪtɪŋ/
nail · bit · ing
Adverb:nail-bitingly
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nailbiting Lexical Profile

nailbiting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing intense anxiety, suspense, or nervous tension, especially because the outcome of a situation is uncertain.

Example

"The championship match ended in a nailbiting penalty shootout that kept the entire stadium on edge."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The nervous or compulsive habit of biting one's fingernails, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or boredom.

Example

"Hypnotherapy and bitter-tasting nail polish are common remedies used to help people overcome chronic nailbiting."

2

A state of anxious suspense or nervous anticipation while awaiting an uncertain outcome.

Example

"After hours of nailbiting, the candidates finally received the official election results."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

naif
nail
nailbiter
nailbiting
nailbrush
nailer
nailfile

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nailbiting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nailbiting
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