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
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Greene’s characterization of a ‘narrow audience’ echoes this.—
Matthew Carey Salyer,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Mona Jones said that was no cakewalk: The bridge over the Salt River didn't exist in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, was just a narrow two-lane road.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The couple's son was born on Tuesday, July 29, in Albany, New York, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz., and measuring 20 inches long.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
31 July 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Jamaican mountain air clung close, warm and perfumed with sage.—
Essence,
Essence,
22 July 2025
-
Here’s what to ask yourself: Does someone on your founding team (or close circle) have solid finance experience?—
Rebecca Mitchem,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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As a reminder, as recently as last September and October, that version was good enough to be a playoff ace.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
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And there's an additional ace up Sublime's sleeve should any additional challenges arise.—
Devin Robertson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Noun
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Try taking small steps to challenge your own avoidance by giving yourself permission to poop in a public restroom, or talking to your friend about your GI struggles.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
30 July 2025
-
Lawmakers were demanding to know why the lottery had not taken steps to prevent third-party vendors known as couriers from brokering the sale of game tickets through smartphone apps, even though state law expressly forbids buying and selling lottery tickets by phone.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Thousands left in divestitures, including the sale or spin-offs of Iams pet food, Duracell batteries and a large portfolio of more than 40 beauty brands, including Clairol and Wella hair coloring and CoverGirl makeup.—
Alexander Coolidge,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
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May Help Treat Dandruff Some studies suggest that using shampoos or hair tonics with lemongrass may help significantly improve dandruff.3 2.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
31 July 2025
Noun
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For side sleepers who generally benefit from a firmer pillow for head and neck support, this memory foam-like fill from the Westin could be your best bet.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
1 Aug. 2025
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According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that spread throughout the upper body, often affecting the face, chest, and neck.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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