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

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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

Iran’s new energy weapon Following the start of US- and Israeli-led attacks on February 28, Iran almost immediately declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, creating the largest oil supply shock in history.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The district has responded to those issues by seeking to find efficiencies, cut costs and closing a handful of schools.

— Austin Horn July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of close

Verb

In these areas, petunias won’t grow as well when temperatures fall to 40°F; the plants will darken, turn limp and mushy, and die away with the first hard frost.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Sun exposure can darken new scars permanently and slow their healing, so Min recommended keeping them covered as much as possible.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026

Definition of darken

Adjective

Moviegoing Has Become More Event-Driven Streaming has made ordinary movie consumption extraordinarily convenient, which raises the bar for getting people into theaters.

— David Deal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
The partial eclipse here approaches 30%, and the park's lakeside campgrounds provide convenient overnight access for Perseid watching later that evening.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of convenient

Verb

Passengers at the back can also get extra serenading with the standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound with Dolby Atmos, which comes with an additional pair of rear speakers and a more powerful 710-watt amp.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 July 2026
Until the grid manages load better, data centers curtail their own, or new supply comes online, calling on emergency power isn't the backup plan.

— Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 21 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

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
There is a weird intimacy to hand-to-hand combat and the brutality of it.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Definition of hand-to-hand

Verb

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is coming up fast, and organizers have now unveiled the full lineup of this year’s juries that decide the winners of the Pardo d’Oro, or Golden Leopard, and the Swiss festival’s other awards.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
While its quarterly revenue came up a bit short versus Wall Street expectations, sales were still more than $4 billion.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of come up

Adjective

Bringing a refillable water bottle comes in handy at all times.

— Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
Questions over whether autonomous vehicles and weapons are handy supplemental tools or disruptive innovations are in keeping with a long-running debate over what constitutes a revolution in military affairs.

— Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

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