CLOSE IN Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

close in 1 of 2

verb

ˈklōz-

Definition of close in

as in to close

to come near or nearer the eagle closed in on its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to darken

to grow dark with evening closing in we knew we had to find shelter fairly soon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close-in

2 of 2

adjective

as in convenient

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 in

Adjective

Over several hours, the American warships and supporting aircraft mounted a layered defense, firing their five-inch naval guns and their close-in weapon systems known as CIWS, officials said. — James Laporta, CBS News, 7 May 2026 The Bulwark is the tank of the party and focuses on close-in combat. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026 This revealed that around 10% of stars like the sun host a close-in planet, validating findings made by TESS's exoplanet-hunting predecessor Kepler. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2026 But the possibility of leaving northeast Lake County — Beach Park, North Chicago, Park City, Wadsworth, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor, and Zion — without a close-in medical center is too unnerving to consider. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close in

Verb

Salty Iguana, on the other hand, permanently closed all of its restaurants over a year ago.

— Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
For longstanding equity gaps to be closed, improvements among these student groups must outpace overall progress.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of close

Verb

As a makeup product, it can be used as a primer, highlighter, bronzer, foundation shade adjuster (pick a shade to darken or lighten a complexion product that’s a little bit off), and even a skin tint thanks to its sheer but transformative pigment.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 20 July 2026
The Hapsburg Inspector General, the equivalent of the food inspector darkening the doorway of a scummy restaurant?

— Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Definition of darken

Verb

Even in the prime of his worldwide fame, the legendary jazz saxophonist regularly came home for gigs.

— Dan Kelly July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Accessibility Most guests park in a central lot before heading to their cabins—reducing carbon emissions—but two ADA-compliant cabins come with parking spots.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of come

Verb

With minimal humidity, near-perfect clear-sky frequency and vast empty horizons, Namibia offers the kind of slow, immersive darkness that makes dusking feel less like a trend and more like a return to something ancient.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The park is open from daylight to dusk for visitors and 24/7 for campers.

— Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of dusk

Adjective

At this point, the owners and the union are merely sparring, lobbing jabs back and forth without really engaging in true hand-to-hand combat.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Up to this point in the story, James Butler Hickok had already lived a life of adventure, not least of which included hand-to-hand combat with a bear.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Definition of hand-to-hand

Verb

And one of the anecdotes that Bird tells in this book is how President Eisenhower kept coming up with very convincing, very ingenious, plausible arguments for not taking on [Senator] Joe McCarthy directly.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
That distinction - research assistant, not doctor - is the one that came up in every interview as the baseline for responsible use.

— Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of come up

Adjective

And that’s where a personality tote comes in handy—practical enough to carry both laptop and lunchbox, but guaranteed to serve even the most corporate of commutes.

— Augustine Hammond, Vogue, 27 July 2026
Schedule a lunchtime workout One benefit of working from home is having a shower and a change of clothes handy.

— Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 27 July 2026

Definition of handy

Browse Nearby Words

close-grained

close in

close-in

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“Close in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20in. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

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