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
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
Now, nearly 40 years later, the Schwartz awakens.
—
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
His daughters’ bodies were nearly 100 yards away down a small embankment, along with zip ties and plastic bags found strewn throughout the area, according to a police affidavit.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
His peace of mind doesn’t survive the first commute to work, when Alex and Dwayne nearly run over a dirty, barefoot, hysterical boy, Riley (Gage Munroe), who has escaped from TPA.
—Judy Berman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
MoffettNathanson's investment rating matches the majority of analysts on the Street, but its new price target is far above the consensus of nearly $236, according to LSEG.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
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Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
His daughters’ bodies were nearly 100 yards away down a small embankment, along with zip ties and plastic bags found strewn throughout the area, according to a police affidavit.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
His peace of mind doesn’t survive the first commute to work, when Alex and Dwayne nearly run over a dirty, barefoot, hysterical boy, Riley (Gage Munroe), who has escaped from TPA.
—Judy Berman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
MoffettNathanson's investment rating matches the majority of analysts on the Street, but its new price target is far above the consensus of nearly $236, according to LSEG.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
Cite this Entry
“Nearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nearly. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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