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

For city fishers at close-in locations, following a few guidelines will help protect the water, its fish and the overall tradition for future generations, experts said. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 2 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for close in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close in

Verb

The Shedd Aquarium took in 10 of the 30 belugas and four dolphins stranded at Marineland, an Ontario park that closed years ago and could no longer care for them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
In June, The Times of London reported that private schools throughout the UK have lost 30,000 pupils since January 2025, and about 100 independent schools have closed entirely.

— Ashley Baker, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Verb

Add kale and cook, stirring often, until darkened in color and very tender, 7–9 minutes (garlic will break into even smaller pieces).

— Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Pour in the tomato puree, mix gently, partially cover, and cook until the puree darkens and thickens and has mostly been absorbed by the rice, about 3 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of darken

Adjective

Many lower-income families simply don’t have electronic payment options, especially in Umm al-Fahm, according to Mayor Samir Mahamed, making cash the most convenient form of payment.

— Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
They've been proven to be safe, and the current regimen has been timed to be most convenient to the parent.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of convenient

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

Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness, the nefarious birth father of agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowdon), also makes an appearance, and the trailer previews plenty of explosions, shootouts and even hand-to-hand combat.

— Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of hand-to-hand

Verb

As the credits rolled and the movie theater lights came up, in the audience fell silent.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
But, as fans now learn, that didn’t preclude coming up with additional material after the fact, which the singer is saying came out in a spontaneous explosion of post-release exhilaration with her two collaborators on that album.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of come up

Browse Nearby Words

close-grained

close in

close-in

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Style

“Close in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20in. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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