come close
idiom
1
: to almost do something
We didn't win, but we came close.
—often + toThe band came very close to breaking up.
We came close to winning the championship this season.
2
: to be similar to something or as good as expected
She said they taste just like real hot dogs, but they don't even come close (to the real thing).
Examples of come close in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Drake does not come close to meeting his burden of showing that Sir Lucian must be a custodian.
—
Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Incredibly, the 1966 Shea gig wasn’t even sold out — didn’t come close.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025
The blockbuster has come close, though, as it’s stalled at No. 2.
Fleetwood Mac’s Classic Almost Reaches the Top 10 on Several Lists
Rumours also nearly breaks back into the top 10 on two other rosters, climbing to No. 11 from No. 17 on the Official Albums chart.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
The Knights, crosstown rival Lincoln-Way West, St. Rita and Richards have all come close to playing for a title in recent seasons and could break through this year.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for come close
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.
Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Incredibly, the 1966 Shea gig wasn’t even sold out — didn’t come close.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025
The blockbuster has come close, though, as it’s stalled at No. 2.
Fleetwood Mac’s Classic Almost Reaches the Top 10 on Several Lists
Rumours also nearly breaks back into the top 10 on two other rosters, climbing to No. 11 from No. 17 on the Official Albums chart.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
The Knights, crosstown rival Lincoln-Way West, St. Rita and Richards have all come close to playing for a title in recent seasons and could break through this year.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for come close
Cite this Entry
“Come close.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/come%20close. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share