close 1 of 8

adjective

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
Definition of closenext
1
as in crowded
having little space between items or parts the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in near
not being distant in time, space, or significance my birthday is close to Christmas a shopping mall that is very close to the highway these words are close synonyms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in intimate
closely acquainted a small wedding ceremony that was limited to close friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge she was as close as a stone when it came to talking about her love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in cheap
giving or sharing as little as possible the kind of folks who are very close when charity calls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in breathless
lacking fresh air a small room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy a close analysis of the box-office performance of action movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close

2 of 8

verb (1)

ˈklōz How to pronounce close (audio)
1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening be sure to close the gate when you leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to stop
to come to an end the services closed with a short prayer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to come
to come near or nearer the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close

3 of 8

adverb

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time the stranded passengers drew close for reassurance

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

4 of 8

noun (1)

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) a garden in a close at the center of the complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

5 of 8

noun (2)

ˈklōz How to pronounce close (audio)
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity at the close of the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action managed to conduct the negotiations to a satisfactory close

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close (down)

6 of 8

verb (2)

as in to close
to stop the operations of the coal mine was closed down in the 1930s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close (off)

7 of 8

verb (3)

as in to guard
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point museum officials closed off the west wing after the fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

closedown

8 of 8

noun (3)

ˈklōz-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce closedown (audio)
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity ordered a closedown of operations until the cause of the mine explosion could be determined

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of close
Adjective
And yet Thomas’s relationship with Emmie is surprisingly close. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 As per Kadas, the app is engineered specifically to facilitate real-world interactions between users who share common interests and live within close geographical proximity, and they are matched on those very factors. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Accounts used by underage bettors will be closed and may be reported to state regulators, the companies said. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026 The westbound Jupiter Road entrance ramp will also be closed. —Hedija Spahalic, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The Bruins kept it close early, trailing by just five at halftime. —Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 The Kansas City Royals are going to trust All-Star closer Carlos Estévez. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
Good Trip, directed by Hong Kong filmmakers Norris Wong and Wong Hoi, and The Sea Speaks His Name, from Indonesia’s Yosep Anggi Noen, were presented with the Works-in Progress (WIP) Awards at the close of this year’s Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF, March 17-19). —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026 Siena was shooting 55% when the first half came to a close, including 45% from 3-point territory. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
During the closedown period, the amount of sand taken from the beach will be lowered to a maximum of 240,000 tons a year from an average of almost 300,000 that state regulators say had been taken out over the past three decades. —Jim Carlton, WSJ, 13 July 2017 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
  1. crowded
  2. near
  3. narrow
  4. intimate
  5. silent
  6. cheap
  7. breathless
  8. accurate
Adjective
  • That headcount makes the market look crowded, but market power is heavily concentrated in two incumbents, and the rest lack the balance sheet to underwrite nationwide 5G and fiber rollouts.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • With two months to go until the primary election, Democratic candidates are trying to stand out in what's shaping up to be a crowded field.
    — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of crowded
Adjective
  • Snow cover is the lowest level on record for the Colorado River Basin, and across much of the rest of the West, there are record or near-record low amounts of snow.
    — Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Throughout the festival, experts have spoken about the effect of conglomeration and amalgamation of power by a few uber-wealthy figureheads, and how grassroots movements in journalism can inspire documentarians to survive in the near future.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of near
Adjective
  • Restaurants operate on a narrow margin.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Google Maps suggests that the same narrow house is still there.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • This is a space that's deeply intimate, design-forward, and relaxed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The essay opens with an extraordinarily intimate scene of watching your mother shower.
    — Amanda Marton Ramaciotti, The Dial, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • The surveillance video is silent, so it was not immediately known what, if any, words were exchanged between the two prior to the incident.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • After the closure of Grand Theatre, which showed silent films until 1931, the Naper Theatre took its place in downtown Naperville in 1935 and remained in business until 1977.
    — Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, compounding pharmacies that sell cheaper knockoffs of these products are disrupting the marketplace.
    — CHRISTOPHER ROWLAND THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Mail-only ballot elections are a cheaper, though slightly uncommon, alternative for cities when no candidates are on the ballot, like in the case of the upcoming April 21 election in the City Beautiful, according to Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • When the album finally arrived in 2021, it was met with breathless acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non–Classical in 2022.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Each subsequent crisis produced breathless predictions.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of breathless
Adjective
  • He’s made that look accurate since.
    — Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers say the high-precision synchronization is vital for accurate targeting and secure communication, with the potential to transform modern warfare and navigation systems.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of accurate

Phrases Containing close

Browse Nearby Words

clops
close
close call
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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of close for Spanish Speakers

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