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 The Hornets also had a close call in a 12-inning 4-3 win against Lake Minneola (8-3). —

Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 That’s notable because Gonzalez has had some close calls. —

John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026 No team gets to 30-0 — like the RedHawks had entering Friday’s regular-season finale — without a couple of close calls. —

Brendan Marks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026 An Academy Awards that had looked like a runaway might be a close call, after all. —

ABC News, 3 Mar. 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
Mid-Atlantic and Northeast: close shave between a blizzard and a blustery day Farther north into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, forecast confidence drops sharply, with the storm’s eventual track playing a critical role in determining impacts.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026