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
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
Cats are notorious for finding niche hiding spots—but one curious feline's discovery turned out to be a close call.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
After the close call, the Nouvelair flight commenced a go-around and landed safely 16 minutes later, per FlightRadar24.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for close call
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
Cats are notorious for finding niche hiding spots—but one curious feline's discovery turned out to be a close call.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
After the close call, the Nouvelair flight commenced a go-around and landed safely 16 minutes later, per FlightRadar24.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 23 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
Cite this Entry
“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share