1
2
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else
the incessant busyness of the family next-door makes us look like we live in near retirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in living
closely resembling the object imitated
the dress is made from a near silk that would fool anyone but an expert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in close
not being distant in time, space, or significance
the famous prediction that in the near future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in familiar
closely acquainted
only her nearest friends know she's pregnant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time
as the campers grew cold, so they gravitated nearer to the campfire as summer draws near, we usually start planning our annual vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in almost
very close to but not completely
it's near six o'clock, so we should start preparing dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in approximately
close to but not exactly
it takes somewhere near an hour to get there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to close
to come near or nearer
as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of near
Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
Celebrini is excited to see forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev near a return to the active roster after spending the last four weeks on injured reserve.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
Peterson also expects tariffs to remain a near-term overhang.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The actress and comedian almost singlehandedly revived the Golden Globes telecast last year with a hosting gig that did the near-impossible feat of pleasing a room full of A-listers and seemingly everyone who watched on TV.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 12 Jan. 2026
The palette was chosen to represent protection, abundance and new beginnings — the latter of which is particularly timely because of Irving nearing a return from the ACL injury that’s kept him sidelined since last March.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Preposition
The doubling of banana prices is due to a disease that is driving the Cavendish, the world’s most popular banana, toward near extinction, Lempert said.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
Celebrini is excited to see forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev near a return to the active roster after spending the last four weeks on injured reserve.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
Peterson also expects tariffs to remain a near-term overhang.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
The Olympic medalist made a triumphant return to the mat for her senior year at UCLA — and opened the NCAA gymnastics season with a near-perfect performance seemingly inspired by her time on Dancing with the Stars.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The actress and comedian almost singlehandedly revived the Golden Globes telecast last year with a hosting gig that did the near-impossible feat of pleasing a room full of A-listers and seemingly everyone who watched on TV.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
After the water nears Lebanon, the local utility will take over.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 12 Jan. 2026
The palette was chosen to represent protection, abundance and new beginnings — the latter of which is particularly timely because of Irving nearing a return from the ACL injury that’s kept him sidelined since last March.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
-
The data demonstrates how work schedules differ around the world, and sometimes drastically.—
Joe O’Connor,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
And multiple sports bars around the metro said Chiefs’ fans presence at their establishments had diminished before the team was officially out of the post-season.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But as prices have climbed in recent days, locals have increasingly stayed away from the market stalls, reducing the chaos to a relative hush.—
Regina Garcia Cano,
Fortune,
10 Jan. 2026
-
This has empowered the external opposition, growing out of Iran’s large diaspora and pulling figures such as Pahlavi out of relative obscurity.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While 10 mice died and some flies didn’t survive, most of the animals came back alive, giving scientists valuable insight into how living organisms cope with spaceflight.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
27 Dec. 2025
-
In a breakthrough that reimagines how living tissue can drive machines, researchers at MIT have developed artificial tendons made from tough, flexible hydrogel.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Traffic concerns remained a prominent theme of the more than 100 emails the city received in early December, but many people expressed excitement at the prospect of a closer Costco.—
Rose Evans
January 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Clippers raced to a 14-5 lead, but the Knicks answered with eight straight points and the game was close for the first three quarters.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The knit top offered the familiar ease of an oversized tee with the warmth and polish of a sweater, a mix that feels both cozy and refined.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Experts say some familiar nutrition advice remains, but the changes may raise questions and confusion.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Acclaimed chefs fly in for pop-up dinners and cooking classes.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The gable vent is one of several that can draw embers into your attic if one flies in.—
Juan Fernandez,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The last time those key engine mount parts were examined closely was in October 2021, and the plane wasn't due for another detailed inspection for roughly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The nightstand includes two power outlets and two USB connectors to closely charge your smart watch, phone, and other devices as well.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Sure, the Hurricanes beat the world when Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson coached there, but that was almost two generations ago.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Larssen told the Ledger-Transcript that for part of the slide, the SUV was almost t-boned until Martin, who drove the vehicle, was able to pull out.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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