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
-
The Mustangs’ season ended March 6 with a 23-11 record after a 69-56 loss to Bishop McNamara in the Class 2A Seneca Sectional final.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Some Japanese experts have commented that minesweeping would be a mission that the country could carry out when hostilities end.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Although federal regulations exclude that requirement, the court found Illinois' wage law does not include any similar provisions.—
Jenna Schweikert,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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The bond means two organisms will spend an extended time together, while excluding others.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
19 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
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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
-
They were transported to a hospital for medical clearance and criminal charges will be referred to the district attorney, police said.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
18 Mar. 2026
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Urgent medical or law enforcement missions may still be allowed to proceed immediately, but with planes stopped from landing or taking off to give them priority clearance.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
-
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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Here’s a list of poker rooms that are no longer in business or temporarily closed after law enforcement action.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
New York dropped out of a playoff position in the tight Eastern Conference, while Ottawa closed within four points of the Islanders.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For bargain hunters, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale makes the season even more appealing.—
BestReviews,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
-
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 22 Mar. 2026.
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