near 1 of 4

preposition

Definition of nearnext
as in around
close to please don't cough near me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

near

2 of 4

adjective

1
as in closer
being the less far of two grab the comforter from the near side of the bed and fold it in half

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else the incessant busyness of the family next-door makes us look like we live in near retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in living
closely resembling the object imitated the dress is made from a near silk that would fool anyone but an expert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in close
not being distant in time, space, or significance the famous prediction that in the near future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in familiar
closely acquainted only her nearest friends know she's pregnant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

near

3 of 4

adverb

ˈnir How to pronounce near (audio)
1
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time as the campers grew cold, so they gravitated nearer to the campfire as summer draws near, we usually start planning our annual vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in closely
to a close degree copy the artist's drawing into your own sketchbook as near as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in almost
very close to but not completely it's near six o'clock, so we should start preparing dinner

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in approximately
close to but not exactly it takes somewhere near an hour to get there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

near

4 of 4

verb

1
as in to close
to come near or nearer as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approach
to move closer to as we near the church, you'll be able to see the bas-relief sculptures better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 near
Preposition
In England, where half the country is gripped by drought, firefighters battled a wildfire on an east coast heath in Suffolk, near a nuclear power station that fire services said wasn’t threatened. — Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Because helium replaces water as the cooling medium, these reactors do not need to be built near rivers or coastlines. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Adjective
Forecasters warn slow-moving storms could be especially dangerous near burn scars, slot canyons and other vulnerable terrain. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The piece foreshadows Saar’s penchant for transforming common items into near-mystical objects with seemingly simple flourishes that belie complex themes. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Adverb
With over 1,400 crew members, there was always a willing hand near-by with a greeting or offer of assistance. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Analysts say the near-daily strikes against Russia have given Ukraine the upper hand in the conflict for the first time since autumn 2022. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
Verb
Cleanup efforts at the Lineage cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights are nearing the halfway mark, six weeks after a fire at the depot left millions of pounds of rotting food to pollute the Los Angeles neighborhood. — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 But as the International Space Station nears retirement and a new era of lunar exploration begins, that model of cooperation is being tested. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
  1. around
  2. relative
  3. living
  4. close
  5. familiar
  6. in
  7. closely
  8. almost
Preposition
  • With a spotlight on youth sports nationwide, many young athletes forge their identity around sports and dedicate a large portion of their free time to improvement.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Verma noted that these centered around policy or ideological disagreements, which allowed the government to rally its supporters with counter-narratives.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of around
Adjective
  • That’s coming from the guy who would go on to transform the Australian Open from a relative outlier among the Grand Slams into the most dynamic and innovative major tournament in the sport.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The perception that prices rise like a rocket comes more from small, short-term moves, where ‘small’ is relative.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of relative
Adjective
  • While plastic borders have gained popularity over the years for their practicality, many gardeners are now gravitating towards living borders consisting of plants, which offer a more natural look and can provide additional benefits, such as habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026
  • What challenges is the co-living industry facing?
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Definition of living
Adjective
  • Accessibility for those with mobility impairments There will be a closer drop-off point to the main building, while the longer pathway will allow for wheelchair access, with two bandas accessible via ramps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Here’s a closer look at how time in the water can benefit your health.
    — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Children grow up without the network of neighboors, relatives and familiar adults that used to make a place feel safe.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the classic old fashioned cocktail, this fruit-forward IPA delivers familiar flavors in a delightfully different form.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of familiar
Adverb
  • Jaydon Blue rotated in and immediately ran for a 45-yard touchdown that probably would have stood if the pads were on.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • In one internal analysis, Accenture found usage of a single AI tool increased 113-fold in just 10 weeks, with 19% of users accounting for roughly 80% of the spend.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of in
Adverb
  • The shape of that is familiar to anyone who has looked closely at retail trading venues.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • For each order, the two work closely with the client to customize based on atmosphere, food preferences and seasonal touches.
    — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of closely
Adverb
  • Trump on Tuesday said that while almost all the incoming fire in Jordan was stopped, some made it through.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Skubal pitched in a major-league game only 38 days after surgery, a feat that almost feels forgotten given all that has happened around him.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of almost

Phrases Containing near

Browse Nearby Words

Neanderthals
near
nearby
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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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