: close to
beaches near the city
seemed to be near death
1
a
: not far distant in time, place, or degree
in the near future
b
: almost happening : narrowly missed or avoided
a near win in the primary
a near midair collision
c
: nearly not happening
a near escape
2
: closely related or intimately associated
her nearest and dearest friend
3
a
: being the closer of two
the near side
b
: being the left-hand one of a pair
the near wheel of a cart
5
6
a
: closely resembling the standard or typical
a near desert
b
: approximating the genuine
near silk
nearness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of near in a Sentence
Adverb
The plant was near dead when I got it.
as the campers grew cold, so they gravitated nearer to the campfire
Preposition
I left the box near the door.
The cat won't go near fire.
There are several beaches near here.
She came home near midnight.
We feared he was near death.
Adjective
The nearest grocery store is three blocks away.
The near side headlight is out.
Verb
As the date of the performance neared, we grew more and more anxious.
He always cheers up when baseball season nears.
The airplane began to descend as it neared the island.
He must be nearing 80 years of age.
The negotiators were nearing a decision.
Recent Examples on the Web
Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
The light of a star in the great distance, for instance, would seem to curve around a large object in front of it, nearer to us—like our Sun.
—Rebecca Boyle, TIME, 8 Apr. 2024
Today’s top stories (Richard Vogel / Associated Press) 2028 Summer Olympics
As Paris Olympics near, Los Angeles officials worry about preparations for 2028.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
The Bobcats even managed to tie Southlake Carroll, staining a near perfect regular season record.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024
The order will be sent from the warehouse nearest to the customer, and all orders go out within 48 hours of purchase.
—Mark Jackson, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
After highs near 50 to near 60 today through Friday, weekend temperatures should climb into the 60s to near 70, still with a few showers possible.
—Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
Related Articles Schiff also became nationally known for leading two impeachment efforts against former President Donald Trump, who also won in his own California primary, coming near to clinching the GOP nomination for a rematch with President Biden.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024
While planning for annual events such as Trooping is Colour continues at the palace, decisions about the King's involvement will likely be made nearer the time.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024
Advertisement The family booked Lynch a hotel room near LAX and her mother was set to drive to Los Angeles to get her.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
In August, the indictment said, Finkbeiner discovered a covert surveillance system set up on public property near the subject's home in Perla and after learning that it had been installed by the FBI, informed the subject of the presence of the system.
—Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Megan Kling of Taylor, a small town near Black River Falls, is one Wisconsin woman with such a story.
—Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024
State Police said that on I-696, near Greenfield in Oak Park, a tractor trailer barreling down the freeway just before noon Thursday slammed into the concrete median barricade, destroying it, and tying traffic in both directions for hours.
—Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024
Eat in an ex-warehouse For a refined Chinese dinner near Tai Kwun, head to the Fringe Club, a performing arts space in an oval brick building that served as a dairy warehouse in the 19th century.
—Tiffany May, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024
The man can be seen helplessly trapped in a hole near a house that’s under construction, while first responders use ropes, ladders and muscle to pull him free from the dirt, photos show.
—Mitchell Willetts, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2024
Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Civil War, which is Henderson’s fifth A24 collaboration, begins in the near future, as secessionists are on the verge of seizing the White House from its dictatorial, third-term president (Nick Offerman).
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
Arlo Hotels, the brand responsible for boutique lodgings in New York, Chicago–and Washington, D.C. in the near future–is expanding its reach far beyond the hospitality space.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
Budget-conscious motorists may want to fill up sooner rather than later, as prices at the pump are likely headed higher in the near term.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2024
Driven by booming demand from chip designers, TSMC—which has a near monopoly on global semiconductor manufacturing—is riding the AI wave that has pushed the stock market to record highs.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024
The best course of action is to drive towards the nearest shelter.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2024
Two-thirds of this formula, population and debt growth, are unlikely to move in the near future.
—Rob Thomas, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2024
Additionally, various state and local governments may begin to revamp their forms in the near future to meet these new government standards.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024
Within the path, the partial eclipse is the longest phase, but as the time for totality nears, look for changes in the sky’s appearance.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024
In 2018-2019, Pakistan’s annual Indian imports totaled around $2 billion, and its exports neared $500 million.
—Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2024
As the April 8 total solar eclipse nears, Michigan's weather will play a key role in viewing conditions.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
On the streets of Akasaka that Sunday night last March, Poul had pulled me aside as the moment to shoot the big aftermath scene was finally nearing.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Mar. 2024
The high-speed internet provider is nearing right-of-way agreements to add service in Mooresville, Wilmington and Kannapolis, Jess George, head of government and community affairs for Google Fiber’s east region, told The Charlotte Observer in an exclusive interview.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2024
The sun is currently nearing the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which is proving to be much stronger than the last one.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Calpine Corporation is nearing the completion of the largest battery storage facility in California.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024
Adverb
To mark the special occasion, crowds of people traveled near and far to witness the cosmic event.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
The light of a star in the great distance, for instance, would seem to curve around a large object in front of it, nearer to us—like our Sun.
—Rebecca Boyle, TIME, 8 Apr. 2024
Today’s top stories (Richard Vogel / Associated Press) 2028 Summer Olympics
As Paris Olympics near, Los Angeles officials worry about preparations for 2028.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
The Bobcats even managed to tie Southlake Carroll, staining a near perfect regular season record.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024
The order will be sent from the warehouse nearest to the customer, and all orders go out within 48 hours of purchase.
—Mark Jackson, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024
After highs near 50 to near 60 today through Friday, weekend temperatures should climb into the 60s to near 70, still with a few showers possible.
—Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
Related Articles Schiff also became nationally known for leading two impeachment efforts against former President Donald Trump, who also won in his own California primary, coming near to clinching the GOP nomination for a rematch with President Biden.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024
While planning for annual events such as Trooping is Colour continues at the palace, decisions about the King's involvement will likely be made nearer the time.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024
Preposition
Earth Day celebration at nature reserve The Torrey Pines Docent Society holds an Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21 in front of the lodge area near the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve upper parking lot in La Jolla.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024
Advertisement The family booked Lynch a hotel room near LAX and her mother was set to drive to Los Angeles to get her.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
In August, the indictment said, Finkbeiner discovered a covert surveillance system set up on public property near the subject's home in Perla and after learning that it had been installed by the FBI, informed the subject of the presence of the system.
—Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Megan Kling of Taylor, a small town near Black River Falls, is one Wisconsin woman with such a story.
—Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024
State Police said that on I-696, near Greenfield in Oak Park, a tractor trailer barreling down the freeway just before noon Thursday slammed into the concrete median barricade, destroying it, and tying traffic in both directions for hours.
—Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024
Eat in an ex-warehouse For a refined Chinese dinner near Tai Kwun, head to the Fringe Club, a performing arts space in an oval brick building that served as a dairy warehouse in the 19th century.
—Tiffany May, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024
The man can be seen helplessly trapped in a hole near a house that’s under construction, while first responders use ropes, ladders and muscle to pull him free from the dirt, photos show.
—Mitchell Willetts, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Though a fuller release schedule is expected for 2025, talk of budget cuts, greater industry consolidation and corporate mergers has forced exhibitors to prepare for the possibility of a near future with fewer studios making fewer movies.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Civil War, which is Henderson’s fifth A24 collaboration, begins in the near future, as secessionists are on the verge of seizing the White House from its dictatorial, third-term president (Nick Offerman).
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
Arlo Hotels, the brand responsible for boutique lodgings in New York, Chicago–and Washington, D.C. in the near future–is expanding its reach far beyond the hospitality space.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024
Budget-conscious motorists may want to fill up sooner rather than later, as prices at the pump are likely headed higher in the near term.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2024
Driven by booming demand from chip designers, TSMC—which has a near monopoly on global semiconductor manufacturing—is riding the AI wave that has pushed the stock market to record highs.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024
The best course of action is to drive towards the nearest shelter.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2024
Two-thirds of this formula, population and debt growth, are unlikely to move in the near future.
—Rob Thomas, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2024
Additionally, various state and local governments may begin to revamp their forms in the near future to meet these new government standards.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Verb
Who makes the Lego dynasty? Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of Ole, had previously served as Lego’s CEO from 1979 to 2004, when he was forced to stand down as the toymaker went through the most turbulent financial period in its history, nearing bankruptcy.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024
Within the path, the partial eclipse is the longest phase, but as the time for totality nears, look for changes in the sky’s appearance.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024
In 2018-2019, Pakistan’s annual Indian imports totaled around $2 billion, and its exports neared $500 million.
—Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2024
As the April 8 total solar eclipse nears, Michigan's weather will play a key role in viewing conditions.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
On the streets of Akasaka that Sunday night last March, Poul had pulled me aside as the moment to shoot the big aftermath scene was finally nearing.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Mar. 2024
The high-speed internet provider is nearing right-of-way agreements to add service in Mooresville, Wilmington and Kannapolis, Jess George, head of government and community affairs for Google Fiber’s east region, told The Charlotte Observer in an exclusive interview.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2024
The sun is currently nearing the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which is proving to be much stronger than the last one.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Calpine Corporation is nearing the completion of the largest battery storage facility in California.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'near.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adverb, Preposition, Adjective, and Verb
Middle English ner, partly from ner nearer, from Old English nēar, comparative of nēah nigh; partly from Old Norse nær nearer, comparative of nā- nigh — more at nigh
First Known Use
Adverb
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Preposition
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
circa 1522, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of near was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing near
Articles Related to near
Dictionary Entries Near near
Cite this Entry
“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/near. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
near
1 of 4 adverb1
: at, within, or to a short distance or time
night was drawing near
2
: in a condition or state resembling or close to : almost
near dead
3
: nearly sense 1
near related
near
2 of 4 preposition(ˈ)ni(ə)r
: close to
standing near the door
near
3 of 4 adjectiveˈni(ə)r
1
: closely related or associated
her nearest and dearest friend
2
a
: not far away
the near future
b
: barely avoided
a near disaster
c
: almost not happening
a near victory
3
: being the closer of two
the near side of a hill
4
: direct entry 2 sense 1, short
the nearest route
5
: closely resembling a model or a genuine example
near silk
nearness
noun
near
4 of 4 verbˈni(ə)r
: to come near : approach
the ship was nearing the dock
More from Merriam-Webster on near
Nglish: Translation of near for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of near for Arabic Speakers
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