Nail-biting WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? T
2 ? E
3 ? N
4 ? S
5 ? E
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      Hint 1

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      Think of the atmosphere in a thriller movie just before the climax.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ????? means causing or experiencing mental or emotional strain.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The clue 'Nail-biting' refers to a situation that causes anxiety or suspense, which is described by the word '?????.' It captures the feeling of being on edge, as one might bite their nails during a stressful moment.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Past or present, Feeling all wound up, Nervous, Stressed, nervy, Taut, apprehensive

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Nail-biting” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated December 5 2025, the definitive 5-letter answer is: TENSE.

      Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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      Nail-biting Crossword Clue