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
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The Pelicans shot 6 for 10 in the paint for 12 points near the rim during the second quarter while the Magic were 4 for 9 for 8 paint points.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 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
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court’s decisions are unanimous or near-unanimous almost half the time, and one area where there is often cross-ideological agreement is the First Amendment.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
As the game neared the three-hour mark, flame-throwing Padres closer Mason Miller made quick work of Story in the bottom of the ninth.
—Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Preposition
Animal Control has one main shelter off Byrum Drive, near the airport, and a second satellite shelter in the South End area.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The Pelicans shot 6 for 10 in the paint for 12 points near the rim during the second quarter while the Magic were 4 for 9 for 8 paint points.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 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
Matt comes nearer with his stick.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court’s decisions are unanimous or near-unanimous almost half the time, and one area where there is often cross-ideological agreement is the First Amendment.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
The spending comes as the campaign intensifies as the primary nears.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
As the game neared the three-hour mark, flame-throwing Padres closer Mason Miller made quick work of Story in the bottom of the ninth.
—Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
-
The timeless gingham pattern is complimented by tassels around the hem, which adds a touch of sophistication to your tablescape.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Sura noted many communities have developed around the oil and gas sites, some of which had been first drilled around 100 years ago.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The relative success of the war elevated the Revolutionary Guard from a small, street-level militia, initially created to protect Khomeini and the other clerics at the forefront of the Islamic Revolution, into the symbolic defenders of the theocracy.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Since the war began, Western headlines have largely focused on Europe’s coming inflation shock, the relative invulnerability of the US economy, and the long-term consequences to the Gulf’s diversification drive.—
Clay Chandler,
semafor.com,
7 Apr. 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
-
King’s plans center around keeping close contact with constituents, revitalizing downtown and residential areas and advancing historic preservation and tourism efforts.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Offer to Saudi crown prince Epstein was introduced to Raafat Al-Sabbagh, a close advisor of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, in 2016 by Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fresh off the global success of KPop Demon Hunters, the film’s vocal stars are bringing their fandom full circle with a new collaboration that turns a familiar fast-food run into an immersive experience.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The arguments in Madigan’s case had a familiar ring in a state where the line between legal politics and bribery has always seemed a blurry one.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
If your reactive skin has ever been personally offended by retinol (same), peptides offer a gentler way in.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
6 Apr. 2026
-
With Scott and Thomas off to the NFL Draft, Fitzgerald is expected to slide in and be a starter in one of those two roles.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Childhood memories tied to food For Tedla, stews like Doro Wot are closely associated with her memories of holiday meals growing up.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
But tropical activity that year, fueled by record warm oceans, ended up above-normal, defying almost all early forecasts.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Expect the 6,100-person stadium to hit capacity in hopes of an Aggies upset and some revenge against a coach who almost led A&M to a national title then left for their rival.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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