close call

noun

ˈklōs- 

: a narrow escape

Synonyms of close call

• narrow escape
• hairbreadth escape
• close shave

Examples of close call in a Sentence

We nearly didn't get out of the burning building. It was a pretty close call, let me tell you!

the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive

Recent Examples on the Web

Hanke even survived a close call when Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic spread rumors the economist was a French spy and dispatched a hit squad to assassinate him. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

In a close call, deciding whether someone bears 49% versus 50% of the blame can completely change whether compensation is available. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

There have been some close calls, with the closest being a 75-74 defeat in Game 2 of last season’s opening round, a game where Golden State held multiple large leads before succumbing late to a Minnesota comeback. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

There are many close calls, and younger kids may need to be prepped. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for close call

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

close call

noun

: a narrow escape