Synonyms of close call

close call

noun

ˈklōs- 

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

• narrow escape
• hairbreadth escape
• close shave
• near escape
• near miss
• squeaker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misfire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of close call

For Prescott, a first-time national winner who has spent the last 45 years in the trucking industry, simply reaching Pittsburgh was the result of years of close calls and incremental progress. — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

In a close call, deciding whether someone bears 49% versus 50% of the blame can completely change whether compensation is available. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

There have been some close calls, with the closest being a 75-74 defeat in Game 2 of last season’s opening round, a game where Golden State held multiple large leads before succumbing late to a Minnesota comeback. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

There are many close calls, and younger kids may need to be prepped. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026