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
Here’s a closer look at the rest of the bullpen. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 The two are close for years, particularly as Dunham grapples with public scrutiny, but their relationship grows strained as the seasons pass, especially when Konner insists that she should be paid the same salary as Dunham. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
The connector ramps from the northbound and southbound Highway 101 to I-80 will also be closed, officials added. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 The earnings release and the Hastings announcement came after markets closed. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Beijing cut off most of its official dialogue with Taiwan’s government, and has started sending warships and fighter jets closer toward the island on a daily basis. —Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Colorado loaded the bases in the ninth, but San Diego super closer Jason Adam got Ezequiel Tovar to pop out to second, ending the game. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
Our 2022 study found that when a rural hospital closes, hospitals nearby see a measurable spike in inpatient admissions and emergency room visits that can cause significant financial strain. —Daniel R. George, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026 Here are seven moves worth making before the warm weather window closes. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 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
  • The Senate race was the most high-profile of several crowded Democratic primaries for federal offices in which the sources of campaign contributions and spending by outside groups became a major flashpoint.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Summer can be crowded and hot, so plan your visit during a shoulder season month, like May or September, to encounter fewer people while still enjoying ideal weather.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of crowded
Adjective
  • Iran itself has imposed a near complete internet blackout inside its own borders, according to Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group.
    — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The near collision comes less than a month after a fatal crash took place between an Air Canada flight and a firetruck at New York's LaGuardia Airport in late March.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of near
Adjective
  • Outside of the narrow narrative of two Western Conference teams playing for identity and clarity ahead of the postseason next week looms a larger picture.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Spring visitors have a narrow window to explore before the green hills go brown, summer heat arrives and the education center closes for six months beginning June 1.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • Equally appetizing, but on a more intimate scale.
    — Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Ideal for an intimate dinner party or casual wine night, this set of classic wine glasses is a must-have for those looking to host this season.
    — Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • Republican members also remained silent, with the exception of Chairman Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, who called for the vote.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Behind bars, Jeffs ordered his followers to no longer marry or have children and later became increasingly silent, paving the way for Bateman to assert himself as his heir.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Hungarians living near the southern frontier, where Orbán made a show of building a border fence during the refugee crisis, are travelling to Croatia to buy cheap groceries.
    — Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Ukraine has developed expertise to destroy them through electronic jamming as well as using small, cheap interceptor drones to blow up the Shahed drones.
    — NPR Staff, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • Ford’s airtight thriller marks some of the finest work done by those on either side of the camera, blending breathless thrills and effortless character work.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • After police arrived, the family’s breathless au pair shared a harrowing story with them outside in the driveway.
    — Dateline NBC, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of breathless
Adjective
  • And by shopping around for rates and lenders, thus establishing an accurate baseline to compare against, borrowers can better decide on the value of taking action now or delaying their plans for the foreseeable future.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Anika Reed, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of accurate

Phrases Containing close

Browse Nearby Words

clops
close
close call
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on close

Nglish: Translation of close for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of hiatus

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Apr. 17

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
union jack speech bubble
The Great British Vocabulary Quiz Make sure you know the difference between a loo a...
See All