close 1 of 5

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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

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close

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verb

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
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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close

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adverb

close

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noun (1)

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

close

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noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

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
Adjective
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2025 Numerous outlets have already reported on how close Barca is to landing breakout 2024/2025 La Liga star Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which could complicate Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future as Hansi Flick’s first choice goalkeeper. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
The Pacers allowed the Thunder to close the game on a 12-1 run. Zak Keefer, New York Times, 14 June 2025 But Paramount agreed to accept Skydance’s input on big-ticket expenditures while the two sides wait for the deal to close. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Adverb
While Oran attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the duo stayed close through FaceTime calls filled with excited updates about everything from skating achievements to new toys. Ronnie Li, USA Today, 1 June 2025 Her teammates, giving chase close behind, mobbed her in celebration, forming a jubilant tornado of white jerseys and neon green socks. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Noun
The actors who played them also became the center of much gossip after the season came to a close. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The stock had declined about 50% this year through Monday’s close. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • Polling has shown that Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot who represents the state's 11th Congressional District, leads the crowded Democratic field, but the race could still be anyone’s to win.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 10 June 2025
  • The warm-water experiences tend to be the most crowded, popular for their respiratory and joint pain relief.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Individuals from the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the U.S. should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • The closest town is White Salmon, which has a cute-as-a-button downtown strip, but the nearest major city is in Portland.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Denver Nuggets trailed by 11 with about four minutes left to start the Western Conference semis but stormed back at Paycom Center for a narrow win — the Thunder won that series in seven games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The operation, which would have required extensive planning and an intimate knowledge of the archive’s location and security, pushed the first Trump administration to withdraw from the original nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
    Leila Gharagrozlou, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
  • Its reign is now over, thanks to the arrival of a neighbor that’s even more intimate and determinedly low-profile.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Bombers’ offense was silent without its Captain as Aaron Judge received his first off night of the season before the Yanks head to Fenway Park on Friday for a three-game set with the Red Sox.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
  • But, in many ways, Chryseis—in spite of the apparent privileging of her name and her identity as a priest’s daughter that makes its way into the later stories about her—is the more silent, the more difficult to bring back to life, of the two.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
  • This decision reflects careful consideration and was made in light of today’s challenging financial environment.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 June 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
  • Amazon Prime Video’s newest NASCAR stat incorporates tens of thousands of incoming data points in real time, using machine learning over the course of a race for more accurate outputs.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 June 2025
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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