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

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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 Many more people have close calls or are clipped by speeding scooters, and these are experiences that can make people nervous in cities, which affects tourists. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 In February 2022, a JetBlue flight landing at Boston Logan International Airport saw a close call with a Learjet that took off without clearance. Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025 Like Charly, Kelly V. enjoyed a season 2 comeback by making the squad after a close call in season 1. EW.com, 1 July 2025 Advertisement That’s not to say there haven’t been close calls. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for close call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call
close shave
Noun
  • Meant to be used anywhere and everywhere, this delivers a smooth and close shave by reducing friction with allantoin and infusing skin with shea butter, glycerin and squalane for softness and moisture.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The floating, vibrating head gave me a really close shave, especially with my shaving cream.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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