close 1 of 5

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 5

verb

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 5

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 5

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 5

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

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
In close elections there often have been enough uncounted ballots to potentially change the results. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026 Those include cases where officers deployed chemical weapons near children and numerous incidents where officers fired less-lethal weapons at protesters’ heads and faces from close range. —Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
But those long-term agreements will no longer be an option once the Modesto plant closes. —Nina Burns, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026 Just days before Kpop Demon Hunters is expected to be golden at the Oscars, Netflix has closed deals for directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans to return for the sequel as part of a new, multi-year writing and directing pact. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The highlight for us was the flight deck, where kids can get up close and personal with fighters, bombers, and helicopters, including the Tomcat. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026 Lizotte looks closer at the defense, which allowed Div. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
Wolfe Research hiked its price target on Eli Lilly to $1,325 from $1,250, implying roughly 32% upside from Tuesday’s close. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026 Three and a half months of agony has finally come to a close. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 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 ancestors of insects left a crowded sea behind by adapting to life on land.
    — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026
  • In the crowded forest of sports media—where talking heads build tidy little houses of straw narratives and stick-thin hot takes—there prowls a figure with a grin sharp enough to make the room uneasy.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of crowded
Adjective
  • The first method, VQE, is designed for near-term quantum computers that are still noisy and prone to errors.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Grocery store errands become more efficient, and visits to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars require ascertaining where the nearest bomb shelter lies.
    — Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of near
Adjective
  • Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property.
    — Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • While competitors use narrower aspect ratios, Apple is expected to adopt a wider ratio for the inner display.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • From intimate inns to grand resorts, these legendary establishments are both pillars of their communities and bucket list-worthy accommodations for those visiting.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Gregoire added that Brighton Park liked the fact that Oro’s founding team has deep roots in the procurement industry, giving them an intimate understanding of where legacy systems fall short.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • March roster-building is the draft’s silent narrator.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in the 2024 shooting death of a popular North Miami Beach barber, a development that came more than a year after the crime, following new information from a witness who said fear kept her silent for months.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Unlike rivals giving subscribers a choice of ad-free plans or cheaper tiers with ads, Amazon defaulted to ads for all subscribers to Prime, allowing an opt-out for an extra premium.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Rivian has been teasing the R2 for a while now, dangling the promise of a smaller, cheaper, more attainable version of its beloved R1S in front of adventure-hungry buyers who couldn’t quite stretch to the $77,000-plus sticker of its halo SUV.
    — Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • In a bewildering and breathless match including 13 tries and six lead changes, Ramos was the difference as France scored only six tries, four to wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Quite how that ended up as the only goal of a breathless occasion is a mystery.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of breathless
Adjective
  • While continuous glucose monitors are generally considered accurate, the American Diabetes Association said in an email that finger sticks should be available as a backup, particularly if symptoms do not match the monitor’s reading.
    — Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Throwing objects such as tennis balls, water balloons and small rocks at the bear can work, but using a paintball marker or slingshot can be more accurate and deliver more contact warnings in a short period of time, according to DEEP.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 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 16 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on close

Nglish: Translation of close for Spanish Speakers

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