near 1 of 4

Definition of nearnext
as in around
close to please don't cough near me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

near

2 of 4

adjective

1
as in closer
being the less far of two grab the comforter from the near side of the bed and fold it in half

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else the incessant busyness of the family next-door makes us look like we live in near retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5

near

3 of 4

adverb

1
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time as the campers grew cold, so they gravitated nearer to the campfire as summer draws near, we usually start planning our annual vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in closely
to a close degree copy the artist's drawing into your own sketchbook as near as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

near

4 of 4

verb

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 near
Preposition
About 15 minutes after the plane took off, an iPhone crash alert was received by Prince George's County Public Safety Communications, indicating a crash had occurred near where routes 50 and 301 connect in the Bowie area. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 21 June 2026 Booking early is essential for summer, especially for travelers hoping to stay near the most famous villages or beaches. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
This is a near reversal of 1974, the first World Cup year for which Freedom House data is available. John A. Tures, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 All signs point to the restaurant’s permanent closure — if not tomorrow, then some day in the near future. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adverb
The company declined to say when the 25 restaurants will open but said more details will be available as the opening dates near. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Look low in the south after dark on Saturday, June 27, to see a near-full moon close to Antares in the constellation Scorpius. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
But as Cooper's deadline for his name to be stripped from the building neared, the Justice Department asked the federal appeals court in Washington to pause the district court's order. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 June 2026 The ‌case is one of several corruption probes nearing or already at trial that are weighing ‌on Sánchez, one of Europe’s few ‌remaining leftist leaders. Reuters, NBC news, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
  • Olivia Taylor, the assistant manager of the swim school, says clearing up misconceptions about what drowning actually looks like and getting anyone comfortable in and around the water, are some of the most important parts of teaching someone how to swim.
    Monique John, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • The suspects accused of plotting an attack on the UFC fight at the White House allegedly planned to deploy drones armed with explosives around the event, forcing the crowd to evacuate before they would be targeted by sniper fire, court records said.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • As discussions of warfare today emphasize unmanned systems technology, drones are driving battles into a new frontier – or rather, a frontier perceived as new due to its relative obscurity in the public eye.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Mutchnick and Kohan were relative novices when NBC was gearing up to pick up their Will & Grace script to pilot in 1997.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • What challenges is the co-living industry facing?
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • How to find a co-living space Two platforms are commonly used by people exploring the model.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The source familiar with the 2024 fire probe said city inspectors now have questions following this new blaze about how the company handled the recovery from the last incident.
    Josh Boswell, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • This is familiar territory for the Panthers under president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adverb
  • The breathable, airy fabric is comfortable enough to curl up in on long flights and car rides alike, thanks to four-way stretch and a silky-soft feel that has hundreds of shoppers stocking up in multiple colors.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • As in, pair their red blend with a candy charcuterie board.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 June 2026
Adverb
  • Investors will be watching closely to see whom Burnham appoints to replace Rachel Reeves as the country’s finance minister, a move that is widely expected, analysts told CNN.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Mask Unlike traditional cotton or cellulose sheet masks, Mixsoon's Bean Collagen Hydrogel Mask molds closely to the skin, helping minimize evaporation and maximize ingredient absorption.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
Adverb
  • Which side of a sun shade faces out Not using a sunshade properly almost defeats the purpose of using one at all.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Your chance to take up to 70 percent off brands like Samsonite, Vionic, and New Balance is almost gone.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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