as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
variants
or hairsbreadth
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hairbreadth
Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Adjective
In the end, Cuellar and his corporate backers carried the day (one marked also by the Uvalde school massacre), albeit by a hairbreadth margin.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Noun
Should the electoral officials’ math hold up, the hairbreadth victory is likely to provide only limited comfort to Mr. del Mazo’s party.
—Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairbreadth
Adjective
-
The 2026 battle for the Senate Republicans currently control the U.S. Senate 53-47, a narrow majority that has nonetheless helped shepherd GOP priorities through Congress along party lines.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
-
The class approved in New Hampshire is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted to include parents, but attorneys said that wouldn't make a material difference.—
HOLLY RAMER,
arkansasonline.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The storms could cause hail up to 2 inches in diameter.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
8 July 2025
-
Forecasters predict an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain, with flash flooding either ongoing or imminent.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The figure surpasses that of the closest rival, China, which had 317 companies represented.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
10 July 2025
-
Typically, the ring bearer is a young boy or girl and is either the couple’s own child, a relative, or a close family friend.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
There aren’t a lot of prospects who might turn into a staff ace, someone regularly pitching into the seventh inning with his best stuff.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
The Pirates are reportedly not fielding offers on their ace.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
This step is especially helpful if your towels are heavily soiled or have a strong musty odor.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
-
After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
Bellevue Avenue boasted transportation companies, dress-making, hair styling and barbering, catering services, and lady-in-waiting support services.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
8 July 2025
-
Symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, heat intolerance, weight gain, hair thinning, anxiety, tremors and expanding joint pain.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
How the heart freckle tattoo got started Smith did her first heart freckle tattoo around two years ago, for a client who wanted a line of them trailing down her neck.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
-
This buttery-looking Free People sweater has a mock neck and a particularly autumnal hue, and these 45-percent-off Levi’s jeans balance out its stylishly slouchy look.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share