CLOSE IN Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

close in 1 of 2

verb

ˈklōz-

Definition of close in

as in to close

to come near or nearer the eagle closed in on its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to darken

to grow dark with evening closing in we knew we had to find shelter fairly soon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close-in

2 of 2

adjective

as in convenient

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 in

Adjective

Over several hours, the American warships and supporting aircraft mounted a layered defense, firing their five-inch naval guns and their close-in weapon systems known as CIWS, officials said. — James Laporta, CBS News, 7 May 2026 The Bulwark is the tank of the party and focuses on close-in combat. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026 This revealed that around 10% of stars like the sun host a close-in planet, validating findings made by TESS's exoplanet-hunting predecessor Kepler. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2026 But the possibility of leaving northeast Lake County — Beach Park, North Chicago, Park City, Wadsworth, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor, and Zion — without a close-in medical center is too unnerving to consider. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close in

Verb

Iran’s new energy weapon Following the start of US- and Israeli-led attacks on February 28, Iran almost immediately declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, creating the largest oil supply shock in history.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The district has responded to those issues by seeking to find efficiencies, cut costs and closing a handful of schools.

— Austin Horn July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of close

Verb

In these areas, petunias won’t grow as well when temperatures fall to 40°F; the plants will darken, turn limp and mushy, and die away with the first hard frost.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Sun exposure can darken new scars permanently and slow their healing, so Min recommended keeping them covered as much as possible.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026

Definition of darken

Adjective

Like, for myself, helping to care for a family member who is right down the street, this is really quick and convenient.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
With MyRecipes, your personal home for recipes, easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

Definition of convenient

Verb

With minimal humidity, near-perfect clear-sky frequency and vast empty horizons, Namibia offers the kind of slow, immersive darkness that makes dusking feel less like a trend and more like a return to something ancient.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The park is open from daylight to dusk for visitors and 24/7 for campers.

— Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of dusk

Adjective

Up to this point in the story, James Butler Hickok had already lived a life of adventure, not least of which included hand-to-hand combat with a bear.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
There is a weird intimacy to hand-to-hand combat and the brutality of it.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Definition of hand-to-hand

Verb

After his search came up empty, Ronaldo Salgado came across a Facebook post about ICE activity in the East End area.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
In the years since, the former redevelopment agency worked to come up with a project scope, but ran into various obstacles given the intricacies of the corridor and the various stakeholders, Bibler said.

— Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

Definition of come up

Adjective

Wider Michelin tires come standard, as does enhanced regenerative braking and handy access panels to make servicing easier – a feature your mechanic will certainly appreciate.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
The messy middle is where a Steam Machine Verified badge could come in most handy.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

Definition of handy

Browse Nearby Words

close-grained

close in

close-in

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Close in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20in. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

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