nail-biter
noun
nail-bit·er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
nail-biting
ˈnāl-ˌbī-tiŋ
adjective 
Synonyms
- cliff-hanger
- hair-raiser
- suspenser
- thriller
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
nail-biting
adjective
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
Relevance
- tense
- disturbing
- uneasy
- unsettling
- anxious
- nervous
- nerve-wracking
- unnerving
- distressing
- agitating
- restless
- creepy
- disquieting
- nerve-racking
- distressful
- fraught
- worrisome
- embarrassing
- hairy
- troublesome
- awkward
- discouraging
- foreboding
- strained
- bothersome
- disheartening
- misgiving
- unrestful
- restive
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- quiet
- calming
- peaceful
- easy
- tranquil
- comfortable
- restful
- quieting
- pacific