1
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point
the team closed out the season with major losses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exclude
to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of
don't assume an attitude that closes out any possibility of a compromise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of close out
Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
On Sunday, the biggest names in the film industry gathered for the 98th Academy Awards, officially closing out the 2026 awards season.
—Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Rudy Gobert picked up a technical foul and his fifth flagrant foul of the season — which will result in a one-game suspension against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday — for a reckless closeout on a 3 by Wembanyama.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close out
Verb
In a pretty even first quarter, Hopedale (18-7) closed out the final four minutes without allowing a field goal and went on a 5-0 run in the process to go up 11-9.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
On Sunday, the biggest names in the film industry gathered for the 98th Academy Awards, officially closing out the 2026 awards season.
—Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
If Gordon Brothers, or some other third party, conducts a closeout sale at Saks, concessions don’t have to participate.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Rudy Gobert picked up a technical foul and his fifth flagrant foul of the season — which will result in a one-game suspension against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday — for a reckless closeout on a 3 by Wembanyama.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close out
Verb
-
These signals intensified recently when Kast abruptly ended the transition process after a clash with outgoing Boric over a project to install a submarine cable to connect Chile and China.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Voting for the Oscars ended March 5, possibly giving members of the academy just enough time to reconsider the slate of nominees.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The outcome sets the stage for an April hearing in which attorneys for Tyler Robinson will make their case to exclude TV cameras, microphones and photographers from the courtroom.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The March 24 debate will feature six candidates but exclude every Democrat of color.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And then Miller shut the door with a scoreless ninth, working around a one-out walk to Julio Rodriguez, to send the United States back to the championship game.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
In the 79th minute, Germán Berterame found space for a header from close range and Kahlina shut him out again.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The project is currently funded through the preliminary engineering and environmental clearance stages with federal and state funds.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Poor Space Planning Awkward door swings, insufficient clearance, poor storage options, or improper placement of vanities and toilets make any bathroom feel cramped and inconvenient.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
From Wednesday on, the real heat wave begins to take a foothold with highs for many areas getting up into the 80s to finish the week.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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The Avs finished the first period down two goals but up 17-7 on the shot clock.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Websites would face the choice between banning lawful speech or facing onerous penalties.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
South Korea’s national security council called the launches a provocation that violated United Nations Security Council resolutions that bans any ballistic activities by North Korea.—
Hyung-Jin Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The decision closed a flashpoint case that has bitterly divided Israel since the soldiers were arrested in 2024 at the notorious Sde Teiman military prison, prompting anger from members of the far-right government and hard-line ultranationalists who violently overran the prison in protest.—
JULIA FRANKEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
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On Thursday, Iran’s new Supreme Leader said that his country would keep closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which about a fifth of the world’s oil flows, and more vessels in the Persian Gulf were attacked, including two oil tankers that were set ablaze off the coast of Iraq.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For bargain hunters, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale makes the season even more appealing.—
BestReviews,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
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The Broncos, too, may have to consider future renegotiations with All-Pros Pat Surtain II and Quinn Meinerz, who Denver extended at such bargains in 2024 that both are now making well below their market value.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Close out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20out. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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