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
The best models are already nearly as good as human industry experts.
—
Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
The event features nearly two dozen local artisans and small businesses selling their goods, ranging from ornaments, decor and jewelry to soaps, quilts and baked goods.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
The Rough Riders nearly had three 100 yard receivers on the night with Stewart, Derek Harris (10 catches-146 yards) and freshman Deon Duncan (8-96).
—Updated October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
According to the bank, nearly 95% of employees in retail branches and operations support functions, including customer contact centers, benefited from wage gains.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
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Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
The event features nearly two dozen local artisans and small businesses selling their goods, ranging from ornaments, decor and jewelry to soaps, quilts and baked goods.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
The Rough Riders nearly had three 100 yard receivers on the night with Stewart, Derek Harris (10 catches-146 yards) and freshman Deon Duncan (8-96).
—Updated October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
According to the bank, nearly 95% of employees in retail branches and operations support functions, including customer contact centers, benefited from wage gains.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 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 12 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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