NEARS Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

nears

verb

Definition of nears next

present tense third-person singular of near

as in closes

to come near or nearer as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in approaches

to move closer to as we near the church, you'll be able to see the bas-relief sculptures better

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 nears Iran rebuilds stockpile of missiles and drones A senior Iranian military official said Iran has begun rebuilding its stockpile of weapons and munitions as the two-week ceasefire nears to expire, state media reported. —

Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen,spencer Kimball, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026 The Kane County Board is reallocating some more COVID-19 relief funds to things like HVAC improvement projects within the county, as the deadline to spend these funds nears. —

Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 While presidents of both parties have questioned its constitutionality—and Congress has never successfully compelled a withdrawal under its provisions—the law remains a central point of reference as the deadline nears. —

Nik Popli, Time, 14 Apr. 2026 So as tax day nears, some Americans are credit-card-maxing this tax year by opening a fresh credit card to pay their tax bill, pocketing the sign-up bonus, and cashing in points for a free flight. —

Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 Ayton said Smart deserved leadership credit, alongside James, for keeping the Lakers focused on the goals in front of them, even as the opaque future of their playoff fate nears. —

Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026 His physical size and ability to play the style that becomes dominant in the playoffs (more physical, forcing players to play through opposition infractions that would have resulted in penalties earlier in the season) mean Podkolzin’s star should be rising as the regular season nears its end. —

Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, the Postal Service remains proud to carry forward a public service mission that has helped connect the country since its earliest days. —

Readers Speak, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026 Initial ticket sales could climb even higher as the release date nears. —

Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nears

Verb

Some theater operators have also questioned whether the combined company could achieve its goal of releasing 30 films a year, particularly after the cost cuts that are expected after the merger closes.

— Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Those neighborhoods will be in the spotlight for this Sunday’s Viva CalleSJ, the event that closes miles of roadway to motor vehicles and opens them up for cyclists, runners, skaters and strollers.

— Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026