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
-
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
-
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
-
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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Musk and Gebbia have maintained a close professional relationship; Gebbia sits on Tesla’s board and was introduced to DOGE earlier this year through Musk.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Recent polling has shown Mamdani as the clear front-runner in the field, but the race gets closer when in a three-way contest with Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Grace Lustig added six blocks and Delaney Purtill picked up 19 assists, including four aces during the 11-point run.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
On Thursday, the Park golf course in West Palm Beach became the site of Nikita Zadorov's first-ever ace.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 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
-
Manning says the most fun part of filming the funny video was getting to sport some facial hair.—
Erin Clements,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Kraus is described as having long, silver hair and brown eyes.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
3 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
-
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 10 Sep. 2025.
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