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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 close
Adjective
Nagashima maintained a close relationship with the Dodgers and the O’Malley family, particularly with Walter’s son Peter, according to Walter O’Malley’s website. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 And Tanner Scott, a $72 million reigning All-Star closer, has blown several save opportunities. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
Each remains committed to close faculty-student collaboration, strong market connections, and rewarding experiential learning that amplifies impact. Wake Forest University, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025 Confession unearthed decades later In 2023 and 2024, prosecutors said the district attorney’s crime lab looked to DNA testing to close the case. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Adverb
While Oran attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the duo stayed close through FaceTime calls filled with excited updates about everything from skating achievements to new toys. Ronnie Li, USA Today, 1 June 2025 Her teammates, giving chase close behind, mobbed her in celebration, forming a jubilant tornado of white jerseys and neon green socks. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Noun
The actors who played them also became the center of much gossip after the season came to a close. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The stock had declined about 50% this year through Monday’s close. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • In crowded markets, differentiation often comes from the interface, not the engine.
    Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • While expanding its enrollment, adding new programs and building new centers, students have complained of crowded housing and dining areas, parking shortages and some offerings that are stretched thin, such as services for immigrant students.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Individuals from the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the U.S. should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Inflation has also cooled again in recent months, coming in at 2.3 percent for April, a near four-year low.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • For decades, international philanthropy has framed Africa through a narrow lens: a continent in need, a landscape of poverty, disaster and helplessness.
    Victoria Philips, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The rapper recognized the 30th anniversary of his In A Major Way sophomore album and performed a medley of fan-favorite records in the intimate setting.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025
  • The collective effect of their intimate, first-person narratives is that of a confessional, revealing the psyche of a country going through a traumatic change.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the Trump administration was silent on the details of the document, a New York Times report described it as merely a list of bullet points, not a full draft, citing four officials familiar with the negotiations.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2025
  • Proenza Schouler leans toward a silent gesture with its mint green terry dress.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
  • This decision reflects careful consideration and was made in light of today’s challenging financial environment.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025
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
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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