nearly

adverb

near·​ly ˈnir-lē 

1

: in a close manner or relationship

nearly related

2

a

: almost but not quite

nearly identical

nearly a year later

b

: to the least extent

not nearly as good as we expected

Synonyms

• closely
• near

Examples of nearly in a Sentence

I see her nearly every day.

We lived there for nearly two years.

Nearly all of us got sick that weekend.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted after nearly 25 years in power. —Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024

In the latest data, 72% of recipients came from India, with the second most common country of origin being China, with nearly 12% of recipients. —Doug Melville, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Rain chances could see nearly 2 inches fall in some places across east Central Florida. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2024

Suggs has stepped up, averaging nearly 20 points per game in December while maintaining his tenacious defense. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nearly

• nearly gave someone a heart attack
• not nearly
• pretty near/nearly

Kids Definition

nearly

adverb

near·​ly ˈni(ə)r-lē 

1

: in a close manner or relationship

nearly related

2

: almost but not quite

nearly the same

nearly missed the train

3

: to the least extent

not nearly enough