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

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 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 normally thick horizon haze could attenuate and redden the sun's light somewhat giving it the appearance of a narrow slice of cantaloupe melon.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • With this victory, Democrats maintain a narrow majority of 102-101 in the state House.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the tulip variety, spacing should be 3 to 6 inches apart.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Oregon is expected to be hit with 10 inches of snow in the mountains during the day and into the evening Friday.
    Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Boston needed catching depth after sending top prospect Kyle Teel to the Chicago White Sox as part of the trade for ace lefty Garrett Crochet.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers, projected to be the team’s No. 2 starter behind returning ace Sandy Alcantara, sustained a left forearm strain and will begin the season on the injured list.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While no severe injuries have been confirmed, Nestlé has taken this precautionary step to reremove the affected products from shelves.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The forward-thinking company stands out for handling every step, from sourcing and warehousing to direct delivery using its fleet of trucks and team of drivers.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Dry hair, skin, and eyes Estrogen drops can lead to a loss of water and collagen, which keep your skin moisturized and plump, and contribute to dryness.
    Erica Sweeney, SELF, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Plus, the self-cleaning brushroll effortlessly eliminates stubborn pet hair.
    Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This pillow has two height options to dial in the perfect amount of neck support.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Bryan Danielson's wrestling career faces uncertainty due to a severe neck injury.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 31 Mar. 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!