close 1 of 5

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as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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close

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verb

1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening be sure to close the gate when you leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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close

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adverb

close

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noun (1)

as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) a garden in a close at the center of the complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

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noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

Examples 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 close
Adjective
Later in the day, Spotify (SPOT), the music streaming giant, will report its earnings after the market close, along with MARA Holdings (MARA), a key player in the cryptocurrency mining industry. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024 At market close, tech giants Meta and Amazon had each seen shares rise about 2%. Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Not even the detective who so quickly closed JP’s case can ignore the weird coincidence, nor the fact that this murder house definitely has more secrets to share. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 While sentencing closed a chapter of the case, Levy argued wreckage caused by the defendant will continue to resonate. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Most polls close at 8 p.m. EST, but some western areas close at 9 p.m., and the AP won’t call a winner until they are counted. Joe Walsh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Polls close at 7 p.m. The county elections office doesn't expect to have final unofficial results for at least 10 days but will be periodically updating early results. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
As last year's Winter Meetings came to a close, the Yankees acquired Soto in a seven-player deal with the San Diego Padres. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Digital Realty's board of directors authorized a cash dividend of $1.22 per share to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 13, 2024. Dividend Channel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for close 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • In a crowded market, especially in cannabis, authenticity sets you apart and turns consumers into loyal advocates.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Creating visually appealing content helps brands stand out in the crowded market, making their products more desirable.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Australia’s defense spending exceeds the two-percent threshold and the country has big increases planned for the future, but defense experts in Australia have warned that these increases are all scheduled several years from now, which may be too late to deter Chinese belligerence in the near term.
    Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The Shazam! actress was a near constant presence in court during the three-week trial.
    Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Blackhawks express desperation but don't show it in another narrow defeat What's ailing the Packers in the red zone?
    New York Times, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Shutting down the Department of Education requires congressional approval and with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, Trump's bid faces a narrow path forward.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Rather than ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a scenic spot known for its sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • While cellular devices can enhance connectivity and allow for shared experiences, overuse of mobile phones at social gatherings can detract from interactions that make events intimate.
    Meredith Ogilvie-Thompson, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Hollywood epic sees Chazelle embrace an aesthetic of decadence and depravity to showcase the outrageous excess of 1920s Hollywood, as the industry transitions from silent pictures to the talkies.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Near the end of the last chorus, the instruments go respectfully silent as the narrator makes his confession a capella.
    Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Making these breads takes over 72 hours of slow and careful workmanship.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • These things make Istanbul a great place to get high-quality hair transplants at low prices, but patients need to be careful to avoid secret risks.
    Ethan Stone, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Moore sprinted down the field in celebration of his game-saving play with 29 seconds left that gave UCLA an unexpectedly breathless 27-20 victory.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Jerry Coyne has a post up which critiques an extremely breathless review of a new book, Epigenetics Revolution.
    Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Aug. 2011
Adjective
  • Provide accurate and real-time tracking of their shipments, and make sure your processes are end-user-friendly.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Athleta is celebrating Singles Day early with 25% off everything Shop early Black Friday purse deals for up to 85% off Coach, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near close

Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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