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
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Recent Examples of close call
Listen to this article The company operating the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River carrying a family from Spain, killing them all, has a history of close calls and financial problems that resulted in a 2019 bankruptcy filing, records show.
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John Annese, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
The analysis also found that military flights only accounted for about 2% of all flight miles over that time period, giving its aircraft an outsized role in close calls during that time.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025
At a congressional hearing on Thursday Senators demanded to know why close calls between military helicopters and passenger planes went unchecked for so long at DCA.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Although the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the incident is ongoing, its preliminary report suggested that thousands of close calls occurred in the same area near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between 2021 and 2024.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for close call
John Annese, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
The analysis also found that military flights only accounted for about 2% of all flight miles over that time period, giving its aircraft an outsized role in close calls during that time.
—Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025
At a congressional hearing on Thursday Senators demanded to know why close calls between military helicopters and passenger planes went unchecked for so long at DCA.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Although the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the incident is ongoing, its preliminary report suggested that thousands of close calls occurred in the same area near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between 2021 and 2024.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for close call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call
Noun
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Cartridge razors feature disposable cartridges, where two to six blades are tightly spaced for a quick, close shave.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
27 Mar. 2025
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The metal of the razor is protected by a ceramic guard, ensuring there’s no tugging or cutting the skin while still allowing for a close shave.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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