1
as in intimacy
the state of being in a very personal or private relationship
my cousin and I have lost that nearness we had when we were kids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proximity
the state or condition of being near
our nearness to the theme park has made us beloved by relatives from all over the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nearness
That tension—between nearness and distance, inside and outside—defines the film’s structure and tone.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
The nearness of bees, and of other things that agitate most people, calms me.
—Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
Overstating the nearness of human-level intelligence or ignoring ethical, safety, and energy concerns erodes trust and triggers backlash.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
The nearness of bees, and of other things that agitate most people, calms me.
—Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
Overstating the nearness of human-level intelligence or ignoring ethical, safety, and energy concerns erodes trust and triggers backlash.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearness
Noun
-
The two become girlfriends, though most of their intimacy takes place off the page.—
Tembe Denton-Hurst,
Vulture,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The yearning for touch was visceral, the tension between the desire for intimacy and personal protection hard to reconcile.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For example, when Ilana is undressing, the camera is fixed on Dana being mindful to give her privacy even in their close proximity — an out of focus glimpse of Ilana’s bare backside comes only when getting a reaction of Emma taking in the weight of the moment.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The Polk County city is beloved for its proximity to antique shops, Art Deco architecture, lakes, and colleges.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That includes Devers, who is still new to first base but is showing more and more familiarity and confidence in his positioning and decision-making.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Brian Duker, who was hired as defensive coordinator in January after two seasons as the Dolphins’ passing game coordinator, has no play-calling experience but familiarity with Glenn’s system.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To think of an unhoused person’s meager belongings ending up in a dumpster!—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Since the suitcase won’t be as easy to zip open, thieves will have a harder time seeing whether or not your belongings are valuable; this alone could prevent your bag from becoming a target.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Though both drivers hail from Las Vegas, Nevada, the 40-year-old Busch felt little kinship in taking issue with the aggressive style of Gragson, who is 13 years younger.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Instead, the Joffrey has dug up a range of works showcasing mid-20th century innovation and the porous kinship between ballet and modern dance during that time.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nearness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearness. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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