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2
as in almost
very close to but not completely
I nearly fell down the stairs
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 nearly
Outkast, comprising members André 3000 and Big Boi, were inducted by Donald Glover and brought nearly all of their collaborators and confidants in attendance on stage to celebrate the honor.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2025
On the Dolphins’ first touchdown drive, a 12-play, 92-yard march that chewed up nearly half the first quarter, Achane carried the ball on four consecutive plays.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
The Woodstock era is now nearly six decades behind us.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month during the shutdown, leading many to call in sick and compound previously existing staffing shortages.
—John Seewer, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2025
On the Dolphins’ first touchdown drive, a 12-play, 92-yard march that chewed up nearly half the first quarter, Achane carried the ball on four consecutive plays.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
The Woodstock era is now nearly six decades behind us.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month during the shutdown, leading many to call in sick and compound previously existing staffing shortages.
—John Seewer, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nearly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearly
Adverb
-
As South Asian publics have pushed back against governments closely aligned with New Delhi, Beijing has asserted itself, courting new regimes with loans and military hardware and stressing respect for their sovereignty.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
The next step was a bronchoscopy, a medical procedure that closely examines the airways of the lungs.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Veterans Day is almost here and there are plenty of freebies and discounts available for retired and active-duty military service members.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
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Notre Dame, meanwhile, has received more of the benefit of the doubt, though the Irish almost certainly can’t lose again, either.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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If your favorite thing about the season is apple picking, this wreath was practically made for you.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
11 Nov. 2025
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But her throne was practically washed away when her late husband Skeet (Bruce Dern) bequeathed his estate to his daughter, Linda (Laura Dern).—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearly. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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