as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
variants
or hairsbreadth
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hairbreadth
Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Adjective
In the end, Cuellar and his corporate backers carried the day (one marked also by the Uvalde school massacre), albeit by a hairbreadth margin.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Noun
Should the electoral officials’ math hold up, the hairbreadth victory is likely to provide only limited comfort to Mr. del Mazo’s party.
—Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairbreadth
Adjective
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Greene’s characterization of a ‘narrow audience’ echoes this.—
Matthew Carey Salyer,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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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
Noun
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Scheffler made eight birdies on another wild afternoon of weather at Royal Portrush, and his 15-foot attempt on the 18th stopped inches short of another.—
Doug Ferguson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 July 2025
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The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver, according to the LAPD.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Jamaican mountain air clung close, warm and perfumed with sage.—
Essence,
Essence,
22 July 2025
-
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
Noun
-
As a reminder, as recently as last September and October, that version was good enough to be a playoff ace.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
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And there's an additional ace up Sublime's sleeve should any additional challenges arise.—
Devin Robertson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Noun
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In this method, humans remain strategic decision-makers at every step.—
Daniel Hu,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The hotel is only steps away from Asteria beach, the most famous swimming spot in the port.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
There’s no denying ingrown hairs are a pain—especially around the bikini line—but the best ingrown hair treatments can soothe irritation and, with consistent use, help prevent them from showing up at all.—
Angela Trakoshis,
Allure,
19 July 2025
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For example, Manon says she's received supportive messages about embracing her curly hair.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
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He was found unresponsive in his cell, lying on his side with his jumpsuit tied around his neck, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
20 July 2025
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Women were slightly more likely than men to choose less common descriptors like fullness and indigestion, and believe that pain could present in the jaw, neck, or upper back – areas that women more frequently report pain during actual heart attacks.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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