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
Even the best Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich doesn’t come close to the cozy delight that is a warm bowl of Grandma’s Turkey Noodles.
—
Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025
Tariff revenue doesn't come close.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Passage in the House would not come close to guaranteeing the files would actually be released.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 13 Nov. 2025
After a 12-2 year in 2021 with a win in the Sugar Bowl, Baylor has not come close to reaching that success achieved in Aranda’s second year.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 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.
Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025
Tariff revenue doesn't come close.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Passage in the House would not come close to guaranteeing the files would actually be released.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 13 Nov. 2025
After a 12-2 year in 2021 with a win in the Sugar Bowl, Baylor has not come close to reaching that success achieved in Aranda’s second year.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 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 28 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share