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as in almost
very close to but not completely
I nearly fell down the stairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nearly
On the latter, Winkfield nearly stumbled but recovered, turning a broken play into a highlight.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2025
As captured in photos and videos, the actress tripped down a flight of steps Wednesday while exiting a building in character as Andy Sachs, the aspiring journalist and reluctant fashionista introduced in the original Devil Wears Prada nearly two decades ago.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Boy band alum Nick Lachey, and his wife, Vanessa Lachey, recently re-purchased a stunning Los Angeles home from professional tennis star Naomi Osaka nearly three years after selling it to the 27-year-old athlete.
—Kaycee Sloan, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Multiple rocket explosions nearly bankrupted the company.
—Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2025
As captured in photos and videos, the actress tripped down a flight of steps Wednesday while exiting a building in character as Andy Sachs, the aspiring journalist and reluctant fashionista introduced in the original Devil Wears Prada nearly two decades ago.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Boy band alum Nick Lachey, and his wife, Vanessa Lachey, recently re-purchased a stunning Los Angeles home from professional tennis star Naomi Osaka nearly three years after selling it to the 27-year-old athlete.
—Kaycee Sloan, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Multiple rocket explosions nearly bankrupted the company.
—Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearly
Adverb
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Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The ruling was closely watched across Silicon Valley, as other major tech giants are also fighting antitrust cases brought by the US government.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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At Novant, the upfront cost is almost $3,000 for 24/7 access to a provider through two clinics in the region, Hallmark Care and Traditions Concierge Medicine in Charlotte.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
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The eagles' first flights were often clumsy, almost embarrassing affairs, according to Parker.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Those looking to get their steps in might ping pong between the Lake Stage, near Polk Bros Park at the Pier’s entrance point, and the East Stage, at the very end, practically in the lake.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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In other words, practically no words necessary.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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