close 1 of 5

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as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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close

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verb

1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening be sure to close the gate when you leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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close

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adverb

close

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noun (1)

as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) a garden in a close at the center of the complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

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noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

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 close
Adjective
The black and white scruffy canine sat as close as possible, staring the sitter down. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Improvements encompass a new conference center on the north end, elevated seating, closer premium seating, and the new scoreboard. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Washington Post reported the Trump administration plans to close more than 110 IRS taxpayer assistance centers. Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 There are also a number of items from the defunct New York City punk club CBGB, which closed down in 2006, that are being auctioned off. Mauricio Viladegutt, SPIN, 26 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Years of hustling never seemed to bring stability closer within reach. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2025 At the Academy Awards’ annual class-photo luncheon — this year a dinner, after the original 2025 event was delayed by the California wildfires — celebrities crowded close together in front of a single bar. Myles Hendrik, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
By the close of 2024, the generations had switched places. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 The quarter marked the first like-to-like comparison of financial periods after the September 2023 close of the merger of UFC and WWE created TKO. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • Personal branding and thought leadership consulting Personal branding and thought leadership consulting are in high demand as professionals and entrepreneurs recognize the need to stand out in crowded markets.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • An upholstered stool, for instance, can bring a burst of color without making the space feel crowded.
    Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But among the world’s democracies, the United States has a near—but not total—monopoly on the best surface-to-air missiles and their supporting launchers and radars.
    David Axe, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The nearest batch of suitable cement was five hundred miles away, in Bakersfield, California.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Others may include family offices that offer a narrower range of services.
    Francois Botha, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Thirty narrow stairs lead to City Ballet’s bright, top floor rehearsal studio, with double ballet barres lining three walls, a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and an open ceiling with a treacherously low center beam that high jumping dancers have learned to avoid.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The company attributed this improved performance to the end of a destocking cycle among its customers and higher demand for sportswear, intimate apparel and sweaters.
    Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Women by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press: $30) An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time. … Hardcover nonfiction 1.
    The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The film investigates the silent epidemic of CRSV in Ukraine, a subject long shrouded in stigma.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Mello was succeeded by Pete Garcia, who ran FIU athletics from 2006 to 2021, and, during that time, the Hall of Fame remained silent.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Effective brainstorming sessions require careful planning and prep.
    Nora Herting, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Under Jones’ careful direction, the Bulldogs do not beat themselves.
    Jim Root, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Moore sprinted down the field in celebration of his game-saving play with 29 seconds left that gave UCLA an unexpectedly breathless 27-20 victory.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Jerry Coyne has a post up which critiques an extremely breathless review of a new book, Epigenetics Revolution.
    Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Aug. 2011
Adjective
  • Villa’s left-back then tries to find Watkins, but his cross isn’t accurate.
    Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • After her mother’s death, Sevilla-Bazan struggled to get an accurate sense from Bishop or his followers of what exactly happened.
    David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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