CLOSE CALL Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

close call

noun

ˈklōs-

Definition of close call next

as in narrow escape

a barely successful escape from something undesirable the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misfire

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 call Almost every hunt includes something the inexperienced would count a close call. —

Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026 Then came the injury and a handful of close calls in conference play before a brutal tournament pairing that required five straight wins over teams ranked in the top 17. —

Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 At Rhein Haus, a tape measure settles the close calls. —

Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026 There were no close calls like the following year’s narrow win over Stanford. —

Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close call

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call

close shave

Noun

Villa rely on its revenue to push their limits, so going another year on the outside will mean player sales, budget cuts and very, very close shaves with financial sanctions.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Speaking of a close shave, Cincinnati couldn't decide a winner between No 5.

— Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2026