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
But minutes from their December meeting suggest that the decision was a close call — and that there is no guarantee policymakers will lower rates again anytime soon.
—
Ben Casselman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
In Los Angeles, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a probe into a close call involving a plane transporting the Gonzaga University Men's basketball team.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Cramer questioned Powell’s assertion that the decision was a close call, and suggested that looking for progress on inflation while cutting rates is a bit of an oxymoron.
—Kristian Burt, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
After Indiana’s loss and Penn State’s close call, how high can Notre Dame climb in the rankings?
—Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for close call 
Ben Casselman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
In Los Angeles, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a probe into a close call involving a plane transporting the Gonzaga University Men's basketball team.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Cramer questioned Powell’s assertion that the decision was a close call, and suggested that looking for progress on inflation while cutting rates is a bit of an oxymoron.
—Kristian Burt, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
After Indiana’s loss and Penn State’s close call, how high can Notre Dame climb in the rankings?
—Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 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 27 Jan. 2025.
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