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

Relevance

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 Commercial aircraft and drones began having close calls around 2013, when drones first started to become popular. —

Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026 Although there have been hundreds of close calls and nail-biters, there have been some comebacks that feel like a movie come to life. —

Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 While the Knicks beat the Spurs 105-95 during Game 1, Game 2 was a close call, with the Knicks winning by a slim one-point margin. —

Matt Minton, Variety, 11 June 2026 San Antonio’s run of never trailing the finals had some close calls over the years. —

Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 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