striking distance

noun

: a distance from which something can be easily reached or attained
almost within striking distance of their goal

Examples of striking distance in a Sentence

The snake was within striking distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the combination of outside factors — including the fact Trump won’t be on the ticket to help Republicans in the midterms — still puts Democrats in striking distance of the Speaker’s gavel. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025 More New York Yankees/Getty Images New York pushes back toward October as the reigning American League champion, but the Red Sox are in striking distance for the first time in four years. Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Stewart started the Sunday of the 1993 Memorial Tournament three strokes ahead of Azinger but by the tourney’s 72nd hole that lead had been whittled down to striking distance. Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Both our winner, The Ritz-Carlton, and our runner-up, Grand Hyatt Berlin, are situated in the heart of the city, near the bustling Potsdamer Platz square, striking distance from top attractions such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Tiergarten Park. Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for striking distance

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of striking distance was in 1751

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Striking distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/striking%20distance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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