near 1 of 4

Definition of nearnext
as in around
close to please don't cough near me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

near

2 of 4

adjective

1
as in closer
being the less far of two grab the comforter from the near side of the bed and fold it in half

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
4
5

near

3 of 4

adverb

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
as in closely
to a close degree copy the artist's drawing into your own sketchbook as near as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

near

4 of 4

verb

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 near
Preposition
About 15 minutes after the plane took off, an iPhone crash alert was received by Prince George's County Public Safety Communications, indicating a crash had occurred near where routes 50 and 301 connect in the Bowie area. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 21 June 2026 Booking early is essential for summer, especially for travelers hoping to stay near the most famous villages or beaches. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
The number of concerts this summer, sold-out and otherwise, appears to be approaching near-record levels. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026 Or could homeowners expect lower home equity loan and HELOC rates in the near future? Aly J Yale, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adverb
With near-perfect contrast and coverage of the P3 color space, your creative work and streaming video look color-perfect. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 After a short hike through a loblolly pine forest to the beach, there's a feeling of near-complete detachment from the rest of the world. Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
Verb
But as Cooper's deadline for his name to be stripped from the building neared, the Justice Department asked the federal appeals court in Washington to pause the district court's order. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 June 2026 The ‌case is one of several corruption probes nearing or already at trial that are weighing ‌on Sánchez, one of Europe’s few ‌remaining leftist leaders. Reuters, NBC news, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
  • The Coast Guard and partner search and rescue crews looked for him by air and sea, covering around 529 square miles, the statement said.
    Sofia Saric June 16, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
  • The project area totals more than 2,000 acres, with around 550 acres being kept as an agricultural buffer.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • That relative affordability is prompting some would-be buyers to sign leases instead, a more attainable but often deeply frustrating solution, and one that leaves them unable to accumulate wealth at the pace their parents’ and grandparents’ generations did.
    Jackie Cooperman, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026
  • With gold continuing to surge in value, many watchmakers turned to platinum, a distinguished precious metal that suddenly looks like a relative value proposition.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • What challenges is the co-living industry facing?
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • How to find a co-living space Two platforms are commonly used by people exploring the model.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • There wasn’t much excitement in the building, despite the fact that the game was close until the end.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • He's remained close with the Solari family and has taken Teo Solari under his wing.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Construction outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center has become a familiar sight in downtown Dallas since July 2025.
    Dawn White, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • The park has seven lands − all tied to franchises kids are already familiar with.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Adverb
  • The breathable, airy fabric is comfortable enough to curl up in on long flights and car rides alike, thanks to four-way stretch and a silky-soft feel that has hundreds of shoppers stocking up in multiple colors.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • As in, pair their red blend with a candy charcuterie board.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 June 2026
Adverb
  • Finland’s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • The retailer employs a team of roughly 40 to 50 personal shoppers in Paris, who work closely with top-spending clients and serve as ambassadors for the store’s designer offering.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
Adverb
  • There were 3,000 people on the plaza at the June 18 Obama Presidential Center grand opening ceremony, with almost too many celebrities to count.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • When most pieces share a palette, almost any top works with almost any bottom, so a dozen items can cover dozens of looks.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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