CLOSING (OFF) Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

closing (off)

verb

Definition of closing (off)

present participle of close (off)

as in guarding

to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point museum officials closed off the west wing after the fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for closing (off)

guarding

Verb

At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Having a humble heart opens the door to a life filled with divine Love guarding and guiding us every step of the way.

— Linda Berckmann, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of guarding

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.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Closing (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closing%20%28off%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of closing (off)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes