close 1 of 5

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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

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close

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verb

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

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close

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adverb

close

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noun (1)

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

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noun (2)

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

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
Simple solution: The Derby and Preakness are too close at 14 days apart. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 11 May 2025 Now, a new Netflix documentary is taking a closer look at the tragic — and complex — story. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
Gates for the Colonial Country Club open at 6:30 a.m. daily and close 30 minutes after play. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025 The gap closed, and Wehrlein’s car ended up sideways. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adverb
The 'Friends' cast has continued to stay close since the show's final episode aired on May 6, 2004 1 Comments More than two decades after Friends came to an end, the cast's real life friendships are still going strong. Sophie Dodd, People.com, 6 May 2025 When the great wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel close behind the electors on Wednesday afternoon, most of the politicking will have already been done, conducted in private over informal meetings and at dinners in the nearby guesthouse where the cardinals stay. Aryn Baker, Time, 6 May 2025
Noun
The manner in which the war in South Vietnam came to a close — with abrupt withdrawal, broken commitments and implosion — damaged America’s status in the world in ways that still echo. Leo Tran, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025 The close at $226.72 was well above the December 26th low of $212.06. Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • The 124th Running of The Dinner Party Stakes A crowded field turned toward the final stretch of the 1 1/8-mile turf run, the last race before the evening’s main event, before Fort Washington pulled away with Cash Equity surging.
    Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
  • These animals were housed in crowded stables, transported in train cars across the country and shipped overseas.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The best course of action is to drive towards the nearest shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • And there will be grander celebrations in the near future, with Longoria expected to be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame and have his No. 3 retired, possibly as soon as next season.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the trial, Amélie testified that Depardieu grabbed her hips in a narrow corridor and started touching her, pointing to her buttocks, hip, and pubic area.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
  • This was a narrow approach, aimed at providing vouchers for students in districts that were in receivership (a sort of financial takeover primarily for financial issues).
    Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Caltech's intimate size and intense focus on scientific research and engineering create exceptional outcomes for graduates, particularly those entering technology and research sectors. 10.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • How to visit Deep inside the park is Ultima Thule, an intimate safari-style lodge accommodating 14 guests across five cabins.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their work resists gentrification's silent displacement and instead champions intentional design, historical reverence, and generational empowerment.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The review process is careful for a reason – and perhaps the only real method of speeding it up is the one Zeldin has proposed: reassigning staff so there are more people to share the work.
    Jeffrey Gore, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moore sprinted down the field in celebration of his game-saving play with 29 seconds left that gave UCLA an unexpectedly breathless 27-20 victory.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Jerry Coyne has a post up which critiques an extremely breathless review of a new book, Epigenetics Revolution.
    Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Aug. 2011
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • That will give you an accurate sense of whether psychological safety is improving—or if the conversation is going in circles. 2.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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