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
Editorial Board, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Jerusalem has largely escaped past wars, with Israel's enemies appearing to be hesitant to launch missiles near the city's Muslim holy sites.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
At the same time, many longer-term gold price drivers, including central bank demand and ongoing economic uncertainty, remain in place right now and are unlikely to change in the near future.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Researchers are also uncovering how red and near-infrared light might exert these effects.
—Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Editorial, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Reese first joined Guns N’ Roses on the road in 2016 during their reunion tour that saw Slash and Duff McKagan reenter the fold, and was nearing her 10th anniversary in GNR before her departure this week.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Preposition
Over the course of a week, multiple waves of sophisticated drones penetrated the airspace over Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport — a critical hub of America’s nuclear bomber fleet and the headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Jerusalem has largely escaped past wars, with Israel's enemies appearing to be hesitant to launch missiles near the city's Muslim holy sites.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Pohlad, who took over in December for his younger brother, Joe, has been overseeing business operations and will continue to do so for the near future.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
At the same time, many longer-term gold price drivers, including central bank demand and ongoing economic uncertainty, remain in place right now and are unlikely to change in the near future.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adverb
As another season of baseball begins, the end may be near in the yearslong legal saga stemming from a bizarre shooting in the bleachers during a White Sox home game in August 2023.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Researchers are also uncovering how red and near-infrared light might exert these effects.
—Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
Equally concerning, Massachusetts has also sustained its largest net AGI losses among residents nearing retirement age.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Reese first joined Guns N’ Roses on the road in 2016 during their reunion tour that saw Slash and Duff McKagan reenter the fold, and was nearing her 10th anniversary in GNR before her departure this week.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
-
Standing there as the fire roared on and the crowd around her grew, the strong community support was already apparent.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Two elegant lounges around the main reception hold deep velvet sofas, and the décor is all original or recreated oak panelling, intricate cornicing, 19th century fireplaces and granite flagstones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Because the high- and low-pressure rotors spin in opposite ways, the engine maintains relative speed and reduces absolute rotational speed, thus lowering centrifugal forces on blades and discs.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Played by Matarazzo, whose curly hair and relative worldliness help to cement the Jonah Hill of it all, Jack is struggling to enjoy what are supposed to be the best years of his life.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Today, the shuttered community center is a modern co-living apartment boasting a theater and fitness space.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Now, scientists have created a highly efficient AI model that hints at how living brains are able to do so much with so little, a team reports in the journal Nature.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nevada County’s admission comes as AI programs are under close watch around the globe for introducing incorrect legal references in cases, yet also increasingly offered as tools to help lawyers and judges research and write their briefs, motions and opinions.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Catcher Danny Jansen hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to bust open a close game, and the Rangers held on for an 8-5 road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The birding site notes that hummingbirds migrate alone, often following familiar paths, and can travel up to 500 miles at a time at speeds of 20 to 30 mph.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
On the plus side, the kitchen block includes a 68-L refrigerator on its front wall, making for easy access from both outside and in.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
-
With a two-handed push shot right out of 1950s Indiana, right out of another movie, Hoosiers, Mullins launched it up and in, sweet and pure.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Arrizurieta said the chamber, just like the city, is closely monitoring developments.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Another, says Lentsch, was when the Wyoming state senate almost passed SJ2, a bill seeking to transfer all federal land in Wyoming to the state for the purpose of selling it off.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Nacua became known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to catch almost anything Rams MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford threw his way.—
Los Angeles Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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