close shaves

Definition of close shavesnext
plural of close shave
as in narrow escapes
a barely successful escape from something undesirable the passengers in the jeep had a close shave when a mine exploded just a few yards away

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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 shaves 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 The Torreys are accustomed to, pun intended, close shaves. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close shaves
close calls
Noun
  • The incident is the latest in a string of close calls involving commercial aircraft that have drawn scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Most of the close calls that happen every year involve small planes that don’t have those systems, but the Federal Aviation Administration couldn’t immediately provide a number for how many happen annually.
    Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Close shaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20shaves. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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