close call

noun

\ ˈklōs-

\

Definition of close call

: a narrow escape

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Synonyms for close call

Synonyms

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 Monday’s maritime close call comes as both Iran and the United States participate in delicate indirect negotiations for a U.S. return to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, which former President Donald Trump chose to exit. — Joe Walsh, Forbes, "U.S. Navy Ship Fired Warning Shots At Iranian Boats After Close Encounter," 27 Apr. 2021 In what is definitely the most serious close call in recent memory, the recent launch of four astronauts headed for the International Space Station was marred by a near-miss between SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule and a dangerous chunk of space debris. — Mike Wehner, BGR, "The SpaceX Crew Dragon had a near-miss with space junk," 26 Apr. 2021 That was going to be the Bulldogs’ one close call, right? — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, "Mike Finger: For all but a few, sports perfection not meant to be," 17 Apr. 2021 But the dangerously close call — witnessed by the sport’s biggest names — sent a ripple through the local community. — New York Times, "Surf’s Up. Grab Your Helmet.," 4 Mar. 2021 John was still reeling from his close call with the Guard when the Indianapolis Star ran the story identifying the subject of his photo not as a college student but as a teenage runaway. — BostonGlobe.com, "The girl in the Kent State photo and the lifelong burden of being a national symbol," 20 Apr. 2021 John was still reeling from his close call with the Guard when the Indianapolis Star ran the story identifying the subject of his photo not as a college student but as a teenage runaway. — Patricia Mccormick, Washington Post, "The Girl in the Kent State Photo," 19 Apr. 2021 The new beer collaboration between them and Taft's Brewing Company is a close call. — Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, "United Dairy Farmer's, Taft's Brewing Company collab on a milkshake IPA," 9 Apr. 2021 There was a close call when 15th-seeded Troy, in its fourth tournament appearance, nearly upset Texas A&M, a No. 2 seed. — New York Times, "First Time? No Sweat for Teams in San Antonio.," 22 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'close call.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near close call

close, but no cigar

close by (someone or something)

close communion

close corporation

Statistics for close call

Last Updated

10 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20call. Accessed 12 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for close call

close call

noun

English Language Learners Definition of close call

: an escape that was almost not successful

See the full definition for close call in the English Language Learners Dictionary

close call

noun

\ ˈklōs-

\

Kids Definition of close call

: a barely successful escape from a difficult or dangerous situation

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