Entry Word: near

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being the less far of two <grab the comforter from the near side of the bed>

Synonyms closer, hither, nigher, this

Related Words fore, forward, front, inside

Near Antonyms distant, remote, remoter; back, outside

Antonyms far, farther, further, opposite, other, that

2 being such only when compared to something else <the perpetual busyness of the family next-door makes us look like we live in near retirement> — see comparative
3 closely resembling the object imitated <the dress is made from a near silk that would fool anyone but an expert> — see natural 2
4 not being distant in time, space, or significance <the famous prediction that in the near future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes> — see close 2