Synonyms of close
-
as in crowded 
-
as in near
-
as in narrow
-
as in intimate
-
as in silent
-
as in careful
-
as in breathless
-
as in accurate
-
as in to shut
-
as in to close (down)
-
as in to end
-
as in to stop
-
as in to come
-
as in in
-
as in courtyard
-
as in ending
-
as in conclusion
-
Synonym Chooser
-
Example Sentences
-
Phrases Containing
-
Entries Near
1
as in crowded
having little space between items or parts
the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in near
not being distant in time, space, or significance
my birthday is close to Christmas a shopping mall that is very close to the highway these words are close synonyms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in intimate
closely acquainted
a small wedding ceremony that was limited to close friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge
she was as close as a stone when it came to talking about her love life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
the kind of folks who are very close when charity calls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in breathless
lacking fresh air
a small room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a close analysis of the box-office performance of action movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening
be sure to close the gate when you leave
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point
we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to stop
to come to an end
the services closed with a short prayer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to come
to come near or nearer
the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time
the stranded passengers drew close for reassurance
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls)
a garden in a close at the center of the complex
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity
at the close of the evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action
managed to conduct the negotiations to a satisfactory close
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of close
Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
Ivanka Trump may live among us in Miami Beach, but don’t get too close.
—Madeleine Marr, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
The gap closed, and Wehrlein’s car ended up sideways.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
In the first of Trier’s films to operate as a family portrait instead of a more focused individual profile, the Borg house will come to assume the gravity of a dying star that gives meaning to the constellation of people who are pulled ever closer towards its orbit.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 May 2025
Haase, like Pollard, kept in contact with Vaughn after their days at KU came to a close.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for close
Adjective
Charlotte and Raffi see these minor challenges—and their ability to work through them—as proof of how close all of the friends have become.
—Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
Ivanka Trump may live among us in Miami Beach, but don’t get too close.
—Madeleine Marr, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Verb
Gates for the Colonial Country Club open at 6:30 a.m. daily and close 30 minutes after play.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
The gap closed, and Wehrlein’s car ended up sideways.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adverb
Many thriving long-term couples maintain certain boundaries that, counterintuitively, bring them closer.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
In the first of Trier’s films to operate as a family portrait instead of a more focused individual profile, the Borg house will come to assume the gravity of a dying star that gives meaning to the constellation of people who are pulled ever closer towards its orbit.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
Noun
As Memorial Day approaches and National Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, here’s a timely fact: the largest private funder of veteran employment in the United States is a video game.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 May 2025
Haase, like Pollard, kept in contact with Vaughn after their days at KU came to a close.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
-
While expanding its enrollment, adding new programs and building new centers, students have complained of crowded housing and dining areas, parking shortages and some offerings that are stretched thin, such as services for immigrant students.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
At least nine of the 25 arrested have landed in immigration detention — scattered across the country from a crowded lockup in Miami to a facility in a sleepy Texas railway town to a confinement in a Pacific Northwest port city overlooked by Mount Rainier.—
Hannah Critchfield,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Expect to hear more news about Rodgers in the near future.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, artists like Doja Cat, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus and A$AP Rocky are all expected to drop albums in the near future.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Horned Frogs gave up two late runs in a narrow 2-1 loss to Arizona in the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday night at Globe Life Field.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 May 2025
-
The Formula 1 season moves to its most iconic venue this weekend, with the eighth round of the championship taking place around the narrow streets of Monaco.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Caltech's intimate size and intense focus on scientific research and engineering create exceptional outcomes for graduates, particularly those entering technology and research sectors. 10.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
How to visit Deep inside the park is Ultima Thule, an intimate safari-style lodge accommodating 14 guests across five cabins.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, each drawer opens and closes smoothly thanks to the silent metal slide construction.—
Bridget Degnan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
-
There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
25 May 2025
-
Many participants with conflicting ideologies also reported cohabiting peacefully for the most part, while being careful not to bring up divisive topics and focus on their similarities instead.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Moore sprinted down the field in celebration of his game-saving play with 29 seconds left that gave UCLA an unexpectedly breathless 27-20 victory.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Nov. 2024
-
Jerry Coyne has a post up which critiques an extremely breathless review of a new book, Epigenetics Revolution.—
Razib Khan,
Discover Magazine,
24 Aug. 2011
Adjective
-
Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.—
Bryan Karrick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share