as in ending
the last part of a process or action
a stand-up comedian has to have a strong closing if he wants a spirited round of applause
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in final
following all others of the same kind in order or time
the orchestra's closing piece is traditionally the national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shutting
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening
be sure to close the gate when you leave
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in closing (down)
to stop the operations of
the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in finishing
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point
we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stopping
to come to an end
the services closed with a short prayer
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5
as in approaching
to come near or nearer
the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of closing
Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Contract closings were the highest in at least 10 months in all other regions.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers under distinct brands post-closing, with Hulu continuing to be available in the larger Disney bundle.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
In November, Chef Kelly English announced Second Line would be closing its longtime location at 2144 Monroe Ave.
—Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for closing
Noun
Despite both sides fielding some explosive talent, the game failed to ignite until the closing stages.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Contract closings were the highest in at least 10 months in all other regions.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Other alternatives such as offering a seller credit to cover potential post-closing assessments or adjusting the purchase price to reflect the risks of such costs are also being employed.
—Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers under distinct brands post-closing, with Hulu continuing to be available in the larger Disney bundle.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
The district is hosting a community meeting Wednesday night to talk about the likelihood of closing Blanton Elementary.
—Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
In November, Chef Kelly English announced Second Line would be closing its longtime location at 2144 Monroe Ave.
—Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for closing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for closing
Noun
-
Reigning semifinalist Westwood is a strong candidate for a better ending, too, returning most of its lineup.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Despite Powell's term as chairman ending, his position as a member of the Fed's Board of Governors doesn’t expire until 2028, NBC News noted.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
With Packers first-year team president Ed Policy likely approaching a decision on LaFleur’s future this offseason before the final year of his contract, LaFleur did himself no favors ahead of those conversations.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP George Clooney and Don Cheadle, who came onstage to present the final award for the night, joked about the standing ovation, with Cheadle noting Clooney did not receive one.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Congress made history at the end of last year by shutting the government down for the longest period in history, at 43 days.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Jan. 2026
-
That's because most grocery, retail, and restaurant chains will remain open on New Year's Eve, albeit with adjusted hours, while some will be shutting their doors on New Year's Day.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Shough spent three seasons at Oregon and Texas Tech before finishing at Louisville in 2024.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
If schedules clash, suggest a two-step approach, like meeting online first and finishing later.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Rhode founder and her stylist Dani Michele delivered a show-stopping moment on the red carpet, pulling a shimmering 2009 Armani Privé gown from the archives.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Stroll through the Funk Zone, stopping at wineries, breweries, and local shops along the way.—
Chantelle Kincy,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Footage of the incidents show agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
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The emergency protocol was alerted when Flight 1853 was already approaching its intended designation at Barcelona-El Prat Airport from Istanbul.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With Donna’s Banishment seeming almost a forgone conclusion, Cumming summoned the players back to a special morning edition of the Roundtable to just get the inevitable out of the way.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Ball certainly didn’t have any issue getting into the action, posting a team-best 11 first-quarter points on the strength of making his first three attempts and banking in a running 3-pointer off the glass at the buzzer, signaling the conclusion of the game’s initial 12 minutes.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Four Democratic-Farm-Labor Party lawmakers who chair state Senate education committees cited Minneapolis Public Schools canceling classes and extracurricular activities last week after federal agents reportedly clashed with students and staff during Roosevelt High School’s dismissal on Wednesday.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
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While Constantine died before the filming of 2023’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the plot of the movie paid tribute to the actor, revolving around a family trip to Greece intended to honor his character’s last wish.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Closing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closing. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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