close call

noun

\ˈklōs-

\

Definition of close call

: a narrow escape

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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

Arresting Sasser on a bond revocation shouldn’t have been a close call for cops, other law enforcement authorities tell me. — Bill Torpy, ajc, "Torpy at Large: Something stinks in Brunswick, and it ain’t paper mills," 11 July 2018 The Irish will play in the state finals for the eighth time and are seeking their fourth title after a few close calls in the tournament. — Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Cathedral baseball not perfect, but back in state finals," 14 June 2018 Despite a close call with Dolores and a medical saw, Charlotte and Stubbs escape. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "'Westworld' recap: Who really lives, who really dies?," 3 June 2018 The run includes a 48-0 record in the regular season in the league, but there have been some close calls. — Edward Lee, baltimoresun.com, "Review & preview: Stevenson men’s lacrosse," 21 June 2018 The teams were tied 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning when the Tigers (28-3) took advantage of a close call and used it as a catalyst for a three-run rally. — Rick Armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, "A game of inches: Close call goes other way as Oswego East loses to Plainfield North in sectional final," 2 June 2018 There were some close calls such as being shot twice while buying drugs. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "His brothers include a mayor and judge. This recovering addict honors nine years of sobriety through service to others.," 16 May 2018 Butler is a little expensive and a bit of a close call for cash games. — Doug Norrie, SI.com, "NBA DFS Picks for February 7," 7 Feb. 2018 McDonnell discusses the ACC’s new practice of teams being able to challenge close calls to video replay. — Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "Chasing Omaha: 3 days inside Louisville baseball's latest bid for the College World Series," 2 May 2018

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 by (someone or something)

close communion

close corporation

Statistics for close call

Last Updated

5 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for close call

The first known use of close call was in 1881

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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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