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
-
Students have a narrow window to unlock access to training that could dramatically shape their post-grad trajectory.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
For decades, OPOs have been bulky systems with narrow ranges.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even a basic and small telescope, such as a 2-inch refractor, can get you a glimpse of the rings.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Most notable interior change is a 27-inch OLED display incorporating gauges and infotainment controls.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
He was acquired, along with closer Victor Vodnik, in a July 2023 trade with the Braves for reliever Pierce Johnson.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
17 Sep. 2025
-
In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
An ace interviewer, she has also often been interviewed on radio and TV shows.—
Laura Manske,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Sophia Quinton registered 13 digs, 11 kills and two aces as Nauset (4-1) defeated Falmouth 3-1 in the Cape and Islands League.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle takes it one step further, creating a paddle brush that’s delicate enough for thinning and damaged strands.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei tear up the dancefloor on 'Dancing With the Stars' hair metal on October 8, 2024.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Apply to damp hair before blow-drying or air-drying, or once it’s already styled as a glossing, smoothing top-up.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Inspired by the Japanese treat both in formula and texture, the Iota Supermochi Body Exfoliator+ contains soothing sweet rice water and exfoliating red bean extract—alongside ingredients like lactic acid, sea salt, and urea—to gently resurface your skin from the neck down.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Winter Wools Nothing feels sharper or warmer than a funnel-neck coat made of warm wool.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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