close call

noun

: a narrow escape

Examples of close call in a Sentence

We nearly didn't get out of the burning building. It was a pretty close call, let me tell you! the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But minutes from their December meeting suggest that the decision was a close call — and that there is no guarantee policymakers will lower rates again anytime soon. Ben Casselman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 In Los Angeles, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a probe into a close call involving a plane transporting the Gonzaga University Men's basketball team. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 Cramer questioned Powell’s assertion that the decision was a close call, and suggested that looking for progress on inflation while cutting rates is a bit of an oxymoron. Kristian Burt, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024 After Indiana’s loss and Penn State’s close call, how high can Notre Dame climb in the rankings? Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for close call 

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close call was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near close call

Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20call. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

close call

noun
: a narrow escape
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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