near 1 of 4

near

2 of 4

adjective

1
as in closer
being the less far of two grab the comforter from the near side of the bed and fold it in half

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else the incessant busyness of the family next-door makes us look like we live in near retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5

near

3 of 4

adverb

1
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time as the campers grew cold, so they gravitated nearer to the campfire as summer draws near, we usually start planning our annual vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in closely
to a close degree copy the artist's drawing into your own sketchbook as near as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

near

4 of 4

verb

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 near
Preposition
New Mexico Nine cases of measles have been recorded in New Mexico's Lea County, near Texas, of which four were in children aged 5-17 and five in adults aged from 18 up. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 Among them are priests and religious brothers from nations near and far. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Trump also detailed his plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, during which the American and Russian leaders will try to negotiate an end to Russia's war with Ukraine, which started when Russia launched an unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 The portfolio's lone staples position is Costco , which kept pace with the sector with a near 5% gain. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Both 2023 and 2024 shattered previous temperature records, hovering near or above 1.5 Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the Earth's temperature in the late 1800s, a time before humans began burning vast amounts of fossil fuels that have inexorably heated up the planet. Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 12 Feb. 2025 Morning temperatures in the Sacramento area were forecast to be near or below freezing through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Nets guard Cam Thomas missed his 24th straight game on Wednesday because of a left hamstring strain, but his lengthy inactive streak could finally be nearing its end — although his exact timeline remains murky. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025 In a boost for the reigning champions, Guardiola also said that winger Oscar Bobb is nearing a return to action after almost seven months out with a leg injury. Nnamdi Onyeagwara, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
Preposition
  • Katie Holmes does not have TikTok—although that’s not to say the street style star is immune to seeking outfit inspiration from those around her, including her friends and film.
    Freya Drohan, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
  • On the second floor, a communal space where conversations, panels and exhibitions will unfold around key global challenges including discussions on six pivotal themes: mother nature, business and technology, education and policy, arts and culture, philanthropy, and roles and identities.
    Thomas Waller, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Soil pH The relative acidity or alkalinity of the soil affects how well roses can access nutrients in the soil.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Many institutional and private investors still use the 3-year relative performance of their investment managers to make hire and fire decisions, even though it has been proven not to work for deciding whether to fire Warren Buffett by selling Berkshire Hathway or choose another investment manager.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Carter was a living example of the struggle to end war and suffering around the world and to promote peace, justice and human rights.
    Storer H. Rowley, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025
  • As scientists gather more examples, the pair’s private hand-on-eye code remains a poignant reminder of how similar chimpanzees are to their closest living relatives.
    Brandon Keim, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But longtime close watchers of Epstein and his legal ordeal made the case in a series of posts on X that such a list may never emerge.
    Chad de Guzman, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The news comes as YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s prison release inches closer, following reports last month that the Baton Rouge rhymer would be let out far earlier than originally scheduled.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea is both familiar and transformative: public fridges, placed in neighborhoods, stocked by the people, for the people—no questions asked.
    The Glamour editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The point is not to be lifelike or fact-based but familiar and formulaic—in a word, predictable.
    Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Pieces are designed to transcend trends and be wearable year in and year out.
    Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These are places where remote workers can settle in and really get their jobs done, while also easily taking advantage of cultural, culinary, and social offerings.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Alex Ovechkin will almost certainly break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • When the cooking is almost done, add chard and kale.
    Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 5 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Ahmad and Mahmoud were placed under house arrest for five days, following approximately 48 hours in police custody.
    Britt Clennett, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • That means that some of the most fervent soccer fans in the world need to be starting their visa process now before World Cup qualifying is complete and approximately nine months before tickets actually go on sale.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on near

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!