near 1 of 4

near

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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
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near

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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

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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
Fort Ticonderoga in Essex County, near Lake Champlain, announced the reunion of the letters in a May 21 statement. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025 There’s a poignant moment near the finale where his character briefly locks eyes with Joshua before a race, subtly addressing a key issue of diversity within the sport. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Adjective
And the ever-present potential of an injury means that the logjam could clear itself in the near future. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 President Trump's most recent travel ban may face legal challenges in the near future, but some hoping to travel to the United States soon may not be able to wait for the courts to step in. Mansee Khurana, NPR, 16 June 2025
Adverb
But with darkness near, Joe and I soon decided nothing further could be done until the next day. Cyril E. Holland, Outdoor Life, 8 May 2025 The rave attracts people from near and far for the massive boating and drinking extravaganza. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
Israel launched its largest-ever air campaign against Iran on Friday, claiming Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 As the restart neared, crews were all over the course to push standing water off the fairways and attempt to keep the bunkers from flooding. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
  • Read More: Xi Shows No Sign of Rescuing Iran as Trump Ramps Up Pressure Iran’s ability to react may be limited by its economic weakness, with inflation running at around 40%.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • Benjamin Kelly, 37, was found in a cell in medical distress by an officer around 3 p.m. at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the Wednesday press conference, Powell underscored the relative strength of the economy, citing solid labor market conditions including the 4.2% unemployment rate, a low inflation rate and improvements in business and consumer sentiment.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 June 2025
  • The tough spot the Mets find themselves in now is relative, as a look across the diamond would reveal.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a living example of how businesses can harness AI and microgrids to increase operational efficiency, support sustainability goals and better prepare for energy volatility.
    Frederic Godemel, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Its storied past offers a rare glimpse into evolutionary processes that allow living organisms to thrive for thousands of years.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Atletico Madrid are keeping close tabs on Andy Robertson.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Or, that their connection through her stepdad was not close enough to matter.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the No. 4-seed Fort Lauderdale United FC will face a familiar foe: the Tampa Bay Sun FC.
    Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Those travels led him to familiar favorites in his old San Francisco stomping grounds, reliable stalwarts that define our wide-ranging regions, and a spate of new openings quickly earning nationwide accolades.
    Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adverb
  • This conflict risks sucking the US military in, sending oil prices over $100 a barrel, and dragging the US and global economy into recession.
    Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 17 June 2025
  • Plus, big endorsements in the NIL have flowed in fast.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Adverb
  • Revenue for Goto’s financial services unit almost doubled last year, reaching 3.7 trillion Indonesian rupiah ($230 million).
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • Tolman has been with him at almost every appointment and procedure.
    Bella Waters, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2025
Adverb
  • Shinkansen trains transport approximately 150 million passengers per year.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • Iran’s roughly two million barrels per day of exports pale in comparison to the approximately three million barrels per day of spare capacity possessed by Saudi Arabia alone, not to mention spare capacity within other OPEC+ countries as well as the U.S., now the world’s single largest oil producer.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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