as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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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
-
For decades, international philanthropy has framed Africa through a narrow lens: a continent in need, a landscape of poverty, disaster and helplessness.—
Victoria Philips,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The storms are packing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
-
The crinoid has between 20 and 22 arms that can reach up to 5.5 inches long, according to the study.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
And Tanner Scott, a $72 million reigning All-Star closer, has blown several save opportunities.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
-
Numerous outlets have already reported on how close Barca is to landing breakout 2024/2025 La Liga star Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which could complicate Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future as Hansi Flick’s first choice goalkeeper.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
He’s not exactly built to be an innings-eating ace.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Counting the postseason, Halladay made 150 more starts than Martinez in the 2000s, threw a postseason no-hitter, spun a regular-season perfect game, won two Cy Young Awards, had three more top-three finishes and was the ultimate ace for a decade.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
It’s defined by lounges, a hammock, and a descending rear step for easy water access.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
-
Data Management Simplified For companies seeking to accelerate their data processing, there are steps to take toward a smoother and more agile approach to data extraction and enrichment.—
Lori Schafer,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Lake pulled her hair away from her face to show there was no visible scarring as a result of her face and neck lift.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
13 June 2025
-
Cali Hegeman from the Chicago Reserve Roastery trained at least four hours each week and dyed her hair a deep red to match her signature drink, a layered drink with espresso and cold milk called the Undertow.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Hahn: Agatha wears this locket around her neck with Hecate — the maiden, mother, crone.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
12 June 2025
-
However, the study did not show a substantial change in whole-body or femoral neck bone density.3 5.—
Jennifer Steinhoff,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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