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
The three Brazilians, who live near Brasilia, had flown up to Miami for a holiday and decided to attend their first World Cup. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 The Boise Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and an e-bike that took place in Morris Hill, near the Boise Bench, Thursday night. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Adjective
New Yorkers can also use the LinkNYC kiosks to find the nearest center. Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Hikers can take the paved trail along a ridge overlooking Hanauma Bay, but sometimes people travel off the main pathway to get nearer to the rim, according to the paper. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Adverb
In the venue’s defense, the arena’s near-impenetrable exterior likely had something to do with its appeal. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 Conduction involves a direct transfer of heat from the soil or ground with the layer of air nearest to the surface. Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 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
  • Gakpo's teammates came onto the filed to support him and formed a circle around him, putting their arms around each other as the crowd cheered, as shown in another video shared by Fox Sports.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Republicans were left out of the months of conversations around the plan.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Standard container dimensions also enable civilian transportation infrastructure to move military assets with relative ease, improving operational flexibility, reported SCMP.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • Another factor in the increasing scores across the board in Florida could be the relative youth of the FAST test, which was first used in 2022.
    Austin Horn July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 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
  • Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adverb
  • Pancho Morris, who flew in from Ohio, had never been to a World Cup match before.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Arda Güler helped Turkey get on the board with a goal 10 minutes in.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Jonathan Anderson, the creative director behind Dior's women's, men's and haute couture collections, worked closely with the couple to create their wedding looks.
    Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adverb
  • Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • An index tracking semiconductor stocks has surged almost 88% since March, its best quarterly performance on record, according to FactSet data that goes back until to 1994.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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