as in narrow escape
a barely successful escape from something undesirable
the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive
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Recent Examples of close call
November 14, 2024 The close call earned a smile from Hathaway and a stunned look from Jack, but the popcorn that appeared to spill on them could not be spared.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Nov. 2024
Cooper's incident marks the second close call for a network reporter in recent days, as CNN's Jim Sciutto was forced to take cover in Israel on Oct. 1, when Iranian missile fire landed dangerously close to where he and his team were stationed.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
His close calls have been one part luck, and several parts the blood, sweat, and tears of his many supporters.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024
Tampa Bay is coming off a close call against the Panthers and that should grab their attention and serve them well against another non-playoff opponent.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for close call 
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Nov. 2024
Cooper's incident marks the second close call for a network reporter in recent days, as CNN's Jim Sciutto was forced to take cover in Israel on Oct. 1, when Iranian missile fire landed dangerously close to where he and his team were stationed.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024
His close calls have been one part luck, and several parts the blood, sweat, and tears of his many supporters.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024
Tampa Bay is coming off a close call against the Panthers and that should grab their attention and serve them well against another non-playoff opponent.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for close call
Thesaurus Entries Near close call
Cite this Entry
“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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