hairbreadth 1 of 2

as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

hairbreadth

2 of 2

noun

variants or hairsbreadth

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 hairbreadth
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
  • The large table serves as the primary crafting area; the narrow wood desk is her workstation.
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Think narrow sections with extra weight in the middle to give you more control for day-to-day styling at home.
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The pieces, down to one-quarter inch, were picked from the mangled capsule one by one with tweezers.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Hartford, Connecticut, could see 5 to 7 inches of snow and Portland, Maine, could receive up to 8 inches.
    Allison Chinchar, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Sophie’s own child, Aud Mason-Hyde, is one of the main actors, which adds another layer of things as a close personal story.
    Dan Allen, NBC News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Oklahoma has lost close games to Texas A&M (80-78) and Texas (77-73), with double-digit losses to Alabama (107-79) and Georgia (72-62).
    Chip Souza, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Really, only special teams ace Jon Rhattigan is under contract for the core group.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Charismatic Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez got my vote in similar fashion, as a Cy Young winner whose career lacked longevity.
    Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The lobby and ground-level restaurants are completely level, with no steps.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Pet owners must pay for most of these steps, which can be a further disincentive.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Known for his sharp, professional style — often opting for a suit and a clean-shaven face — the surprised fans by wearing a casual button down shirt, jeans, and, most notably, facial hair, along with a longer hairstyle overall.
    Jane LaCroix, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Makeup included vivid eyeliner and pink lipstick by Laura Ann, and her ombre hair, styled by Olivia Halpin, had cascading waves around the shoulder.
    WWD Staff, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump managed to navigate the obstacle posed by Melania's hat, leaning in to kiss her on the lower cheek and neck—a small but triumphant moment for the couple amid the ceremony's formality.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Plus, Jones has amassed a significant injury history between the ACL tear and some neck injuries.
    Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near hairbreadth

Cite this Entry

“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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!