nearness

noun

Definition of nearnessnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nearness This can be blamed on the nearness of the fires (north of the Minnesota arrowhead region) and the shear number and size of fires in that area. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 17 July 2026 The nearness of the zealous asteroid Eris in Aries adds a touch of drama and intensity to the cosmic atmosphere. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 10 June 2026 City officials say the project is complicated because of the nearness of the freeway and the Los Angeles River. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearness
  1. intimacy
  2. proximity
  3. familiarity
  4. belonging
  5. kinship
Noun
  • Pettit will perform on a Ruckers-style harpsichord built in 1987 by the late San Diego builder Ronald Haas, bringing an authenticity and intimacy to masterworks by Johann Sebastian Bach and François Couperin, a news release states.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • With both boys squarely in their young adulthood, the film not only uses intimacy to depict the evolution of their relationship but also offers a realistic representation of teen sexuality.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Definition of intimacy
Noun
  • While technical rigor, reputation, and proximity to your industry or market still matter, today’s decision is increasingly driven by a firm’s ownership structure and its ability to advise beyond compliance.
    — Louis Grassi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The hotel is also a popular spot for meetings and events, thanks in part to its ballrooms, boardrooms, and proximity to the Montreal Convention Center, a 12-minute walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026
Definition of proximity
Noun
  • Maresca was, of course, working as Guardiola’s assistant during that 2022-23 season, having already been City’s under-23s manager, and his familiarity with the club meant the words ‘Welcome back Enzo’ were emblazoned above him at his unveiling.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • For kids and teens, this can be an incredible way to experience the world up close and personal with the familiarity and comfort that comes from your hotel traveling with you.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of familiarity
Noun
  • For me, that question leads directly to belonging and to whether our systems help people feel seen, connected, purposeful, and able to shape the conditions of their own lives.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Schmidt then took Pambianchi's belongings and placed them in the bathtub, where the water destroyed many of her items.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
Definition of belonging
Noun
  • Carlisle and Childers also found a kinship in their studies of Eastern Religion, an exploration that is deeply threaded through the journey of Snipe Hunter.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
  • Genuine kinship, even for a few hours, can feel harder than ever to find.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of kinship

Browse Nearby Words

near misses
nearness
nears
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Cite this Entry

“Nearness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearness. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nearness for Spanish Speakers

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