plural near misses
1
: an attempt that is almost successful
After years of near misses, the team has finally won a championship.
2
: an accident that is just barely avoided
There have been two near misses [=close calls] at that airport recently.
3
: a bomb that misses its target but still causes damage
Cite this Entry
“Near miss.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/near%20miss. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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