NEARLY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nearly

adverb

ˈnir-lē

Definition of nearly

as in closely

to a close degree copy that design as nearly as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

closely
near

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in almost

very close to but not completely I nearly fell down the stairs

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 nearly The optics became nearly as problematic as the financial structure itself. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Ukraine, meanwhile, has escalated its retaliatory strikes on Russia in recent months, partly to pressure Moscow to the negotiating table after nearly four-and-a-half years of war. — CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Ada County Democrats are now considering their next steps as the race primarily comes down to a match between independent candidate Todd Achilles, who has raised nearly $700,000 and Risch, who has surpassed $3 million. — Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026 Isbel has missed nearly two months with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nearly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearly

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

Adverb

Fetterman and McCormick even launched a joint fundraising committee, practically unheard-of for senators from different parties.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
The jokes practically wrote themselves as an eclectic group of progressive pastors, imams and a rabbi walked into a room, finding their seats around a table to talk about religion and politics.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of practically

Browse Nearby Words

nearing

nearly

near miss

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of nearly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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