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
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They’re also made with arch support and a toe box that’s not too narrow or crammed, per the brand, plus the rubber sole offers a nice cushioned platform with each step.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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With Republicans holding only a narrow majority, the outcomes could shape the balance of power heading into 2026.—
Grace Sandman,
ABC News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Anticipate quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Looking back at Charlotte’s recent FCS opponents, dating back to 2021, the 49ers haven’t won the turnover battle in any of the four matchups, resulting in uncomfortably close games and even a lopsided loss to William & Mary in 2022.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To Mathias’ rescue, again and again, is his down-to-earth yet wizardly agent, Max (frequent Desplechin collaborator Hippolyte Girardot, in ace form).—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
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After losing franchise ace Gerrit Cole for the season in spring training, without reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil for much of the campaign and with Clarke Schmidt set to miss virtually all of the year as well, the Yankees' rotation depth has been tested.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Follow the steps below to safely clean your laptop screen and restore its streak-free shine.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Individuals with troublesome tax histories should seek advice on potential exposure and consider remedial steps.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The 5-foot-10 actor of Training Day and Before Sunset was tasked with channeling a man many said was barely 5 feet tall with waning hair.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Primary bathrooms, where hair and buildup from products like dry shampoo can leave floors a mess, are another high-traffic area of the house that can benefit from regular sweeping.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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With his neck tattoos and a goal celebration based on an anime character, Igor Jesus is a hard man to miss.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Love Island star also added red opera gloves and a neck scarf.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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