1
as in crowded
having little space between items or parts
the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy
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
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
4
as in intimate
closely acquainted
a small wedding ceremony that was limited to close friends
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
6
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
the kind of folks who are very close when charity calls
7
as in breathless
lacking fresh air
a small room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
8
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a close analysis of the box-office performance of action movies
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
2
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of
the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve
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
4
as in to stop
to come to an end
the services closed with a short prayer
5
as in to come
to come near or nearer
the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time
the stranded passengers drew close for reassurance
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
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity
at the close of the evening
2
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action
managed to conduct the negotiations to a satisfactory close
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Copy Citation
Share