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
-
For decades, international philanthropy has framed Africa through a narrow lens: a continent in need, a landscape of poverty, disaster and helplessness.—
Victoria Philips,
Forbes.com,
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
Noun
-
The storms are packing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
-
The highchairs measure about 30 inches tall, 21 inches wide and 23 inches long, coming in the colors blue, black, natural wood/white, warm wood/gray and white.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Atletico Madrid are keeping close tabs on Andy Robertson.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
-
Or, that their connection through her stepdad was not close enough to matter.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
He’s been the ace of a minor-league staff and posted a 6.59 ERA the very next year.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
-
Perez makes rare Open ace at Oakmont Victor Perez capped a nice second-day rally with a tournament highlight — the first U.S. Open ace at Oakmont since 1983.—
Apress,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Data Management Simplified For companies seeking to accelerate their data processing, there are steps to take toward a smoother and more agile approach to data extraction and enrichment.—
Lori Schafer,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
It’s defined by lounges, a hammock, and a descending rear step for easy water access.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Her hair is of textured gold and crowned with blue, green and purple enamel, accented by old European-cut diamonds and gold beads.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
Cali Hegeman from the Chicago Reserve Roastery trained at least four hours each week and dyed her hair a deep red to match her signature drink, a layered drink with espresso and cold milk called the Undertow.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
During an interview with police, the witnesses showed officers a video in which the child’s babysitter, identified as Rogers, allegedly grabbed the child by his neck/shoulder, according to court documents.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
-
However, the study did not show a substantial change in whole-body or femoral neck bone density.3 5.—
Jennifer Steinhoff,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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