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

The close-in Washington suburbs are home to a handful of beautiful private clubs — all of them expensive. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 15 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for close in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close in

Verb

At least one drop box, at Indian Trail Library, is within an evacuation zone and has been closed.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
The town could also consider lowering the current 80-foot height allowance and requiring plans to remove equipment and hazardous materials if a facility closes.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Verb

The sky darkens to twilight, exposing the Sun's corona and sometimes revealing stars and planets as temperatures briefly cool.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
The summer sounds of 1966 offered a distraction from darkening clouds of social and political upheaval.

— Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of darken

Adjective

Rather than trying to miniaturize the entire testing infrastructure into a small and convenient device, Biolyz uses a large, complex and expensive mass spectrometry technology.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Remember that a laptop is convenient, portable and excellent for school, but there is no room for growth or upgrades like a desktop.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of convenient

Verb

The report about the jet swap comes weeks after concerns about the safety of the new Qatar-gifted jet first emerged as the Ankara trip served as its international debut as the new Air Force One.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Bay Area-founded Starbird and its signature chicken — tenders, wings, nuggets, sandwiches, salads, wraps and more — will be available in the coming months at that corner of Mowry Avenue and Fremont Boulevard, the company has confirmed.

— Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 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

That’s a topic that comes up frequently for Drossos and Clarissa Reyes at Fresh Market Place.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
And the Rangers did exactly that Thursday, calling for an intentional walk when Caminero came up and got a first-pitch ball with runners on first and second with two outs — in the third inning.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of come up

Adjective

This particular model also has a flashlight, which comes in handy in the most unexpected places, like walking back to your safari vehicle after an evening bush dinner.

— Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
The brass and woodwinds part of the band band’s lineup comes in handy as the group also takes on hit-laden Chicago’s jazz/pop/rock catalog as well.

— Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of handy

Browse Nearby Words

close-grained

close in

close-in

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Close in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20in. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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