close call

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ryall noted that among this year’s choices there were a number of close calls. Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2025 One of the most serious close calls was in March at Chicago's Midway International Airport, where a Southwest Airlines jet aborted landing and performed a go-around after a business jet entered the runway without authorization. Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025 No injuries or close calls were reported. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2025 Almost every time there’s a close call the player comes up twirling his finger, beseeching his coach to ask for a review. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for close call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call
close shave
Noun
  • Our favorites helped our razors glide smoothly across the skin for an ultra-close shave, while aloe vera and almond oil soothed, hydrated, and enhanced the skin’s appearance — mitigating irritation.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Washington’s depth saved it from a close shave Sunday.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!