as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless
Synonyms & Similar Words
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variants
or hairsbreadth
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hairbreadth
Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Adjective
In the end, Cuellar and his corporate backers carried the day (one marked also by the Uvalde school massacre), albeit by a hairbreadth margin.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Noun
Should the electoral officials’ math hold up, the hairbreadth victory is likely to provide only limited comfort to Mr. del Mazo’s party.
—Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairbreadth
Adjective
-
The narrow five-game spread between the top and bottom performers illustrates the relative consistency in baseline predictive ability.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Steve Vladeck, a professor at Georgetown University, told lawmakers that applying relief in such a narrow way wouldn’t make sense.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season was 89.7 inches during 1978-79.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Long Beach Wilson’s Loren Webster won the Invitational girls long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 10 inches and Camren Smith of Quartz Hill won the Invitational boys triple jump at 49-06.00.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There are several international destinations where pickpocketing is extremely common, so having all of my essentials close is a priority.—
Jordyn Burrell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025
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The six-point halftime margin would be the closest Boise State would be to Nebraska for the rest of the game.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Luis Marrero had 20 kills, 11 digs and 2 aces for Lake Brantley (12-2) in its 22-25, 25-19, 25-9, 25-22 win, while De’Aundre Williams had 15 kills and 5 blocks, and Efrain Rivera Rodriguez added 46 assists and 10 digs.—
Steve Gorches,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Apr. 2025
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Boys volleyball Tuto Sampaio erupted for 19 kills, four aces and nine digs to anchor Winchester in a 3-2 Middlesex League win over Arlington.—
Kristina Banahan,
Boston Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The extra step is well worth it, according to Smith, who’s experienced its benefits firsthand.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Published on April 10, 2025 By Wendy Bowman Photo : Andrew Orozco/Open House Grand steps lead up to a portico entryway.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Mary’s hair—once long and lustrous, a lifelong point of pride—was matted to her head, Carlin noticed.—
Sarah Stillman,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Diddy, 55, appeared in a Manhattan court looking stone-faced with mostly gray hair and a beard, but smiled upon seeing his two attorneys, Teny Geragos and Marc Agnifilo.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Designed for use below the neck, these tools help alleviate tension and strain on areas of your body that are more prone to stress than your face.—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
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Around his neck hung a St. Michael medal, which he was given at birth.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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