close 1 of 5

1
2
3
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

4
5
6
7
8

close

2 of 5

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

4
5

close

3 of 5

adverb

close

4 of 5

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

5 of 5

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
Sonic internet plans: A guide Here's a closer look at Sonic internet offerings: Sonic Fusion Fiber 1 Gigabit Sonic's Fusion Fiber 1 GB plan is the slowest plan option, but speeds are still fast enough for high internet usage. Kara McGinley, USA Today, 22 July 2025 Evening operations require a delicate balance: maintaining service standards while preparing for close and keeping everyone safe. Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
Place the pot of water on a rack inside the oven and close the door. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 July 2025 The following other areas were closed as a result of the fire, NPS said: North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Adverb
Shell Shock, the No. 2 seed in the James Madison regional, is one step closer. Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2025 This carries away angular momentum and causes the two stellar bodies to move closer together. Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
Musk stakes future on game-changing technology When Tesla hosts its second-quarter earnings call after the close of markets on Wednesday, Musk will face a barrage of questions around the roadmap of his robotaxi pilot. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 20 July 2025 The agreement spells out the rules of engagement during the two-year-long period between council approval and the close of escrow, and lays the foundation for the parties to enter into the actual ground lease once escrow closes. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
Adjective
  • Also in central Gaza on Sunday, at least 12 people were killed and more than 40 injured when an Israeli airstrike targeted a crowded junction, according to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex central Gaza City.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The downside of this route is that digital books can easily get lost in the shuffle of crowded devices.
    Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • But their 9-0 start was derailed late as UM dropped two of its final three regular-season games to go from a near lock for the playoffs to missing out entirely.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But its critics say EA continues to make narrow and curious choices that neglect both systemic issues and the complexly human reasons people give, as a battle for billions rages on.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
  • That choice is one of the starkest demonstrations that the regime’s priority of narrow self-interest over the global good won’t be changing anytime soon.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • For a more intimate experience, consider reserving one of five rooms inside The Hibiscus House.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • Of that total, O’Shaughnessy said, 965 arrests were for domestic violence, defined as involving family members and those in intimate relationships.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the Royals’ lineup remained silent as the Marlins earned a series victory with a 3-1 win at LoanDepot Park.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
  • Our tester noted that the sleep mode is almost completely silent, which is useful if your kid or their roommate is a light sleeper.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • For years, the equation seemed simple: look for the cheapest fare, even if the trip was mediocre.
    Wilson Santiago Burgos, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • Prospect Capital is now the cheapest BDC on the market, trading at just 46% of NAV.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 20 July 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
  • Even with label checks, the actual caffeine content may not always be accurate, Wick added.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Advertisement Read more: The True Cost of Trump’s Cuts to NOAA and NASA Many offices around the country are unable to carry out previously routine tasks like releasing weather balloons to get precise atmospheric data—and experts say forecasts have already been less accurate this year.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on close

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!