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
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
Winning three games and the World Series MVP, closing out Game 7 after starting Game 6 – that will change things.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
On Paul George’s early closeout, Anunoby swings the ball to Miles McBride, target-practice for a knockdown shooter in yet another breakout season in New York.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close out
Verb
Celebrini had two goals, including one on a penalty shot, and an assist on Sunday as Canada routed France 10-2 at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena to close out play in Group A with a 3-0-0-0 record.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
Winning three games and the World Series MVP, closing out Game 7 after starting Game 6 – that will change things.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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
On Paul George’s early closeout, Anunoby swings the ball to Miles McBride, target-practice for a knockdown shooter in yet another breakout season in New York.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close out
Verb
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As soon as our interview ended, the seven idols disappeared to change outfits for an evening rehearsal, and returned minutes later, slurping down steaming cups of ramyeon.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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His night ended amid a storm of laughing students and obscene gestures.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, the amnesty explicitly excludes those convicted or prosecuted for homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, grave human rights violations, crimes against humanity and war crimes.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Whether the amnesty ultimately eases tensions or deepens divisions may depend on how broadly it is applied — and whether excluded prisoners eventually receive relief.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There was also speculation Crosby would dress as a 13th forward, which is allowed in the Olympics, but Cooper shut that down.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
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America needs more social workers — and a pathway into the profession that expands opportunity, not one that shuts people out.—
David Kilmnick,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the 14th minute, Maya Oden connected on the second Islanders goal of the night, capitalizing on a poor clearance and lacing a shot into the top left corner of the net from 24 yards out.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
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The reports, by the city and the global infrastructure firm AECOM, also recommended that the city complete significant brush clearance work, bolster its water system and move electrical wires underground.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Yet few in Thailand’s volatile political arena are ever entirely finished.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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If none of these private stations pans out, the only LEO outpost left when the ISS crashes back to Earth will likely be Tiangong, the three-module station that China finished building in late 2022.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Examples of these actions include adopting stretch energy codes, piloting a reusable cups program for concerts at RiverEdge Park and banning single use plastic shopping bags, according to a poster of the actions displayed during the breakout groups held later in the forum.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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Kansas bans gender-affirming care for minors and bars transgender women and girls from female sports teams, kindergarten through college.—
John Hanna,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Knight closed the chapter on an extraordinary Olympic career by rescuing her teammates and her beloved team and nation.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Alberta Street also closes down to traffic every Thursday evening in the summer for a 15-block art walk.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The retailer is akin to a Big Lots having a baby with the Daiso bargain store.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
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The competition at this supercar level costs over $50,000 more, making a Dodge Durango Hellcat SRT a bargain in the ratified air of the ultra high performance class.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Close out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20out. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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