almost

1 of 2

adverb

al·​most ˈȯl-ˌmōst How to pronounce almost (audio) ȯl-ˈmōst How to pronounce almost (audio)
Synonyms of almost
: very nearly but not exactly or entirely
We're almost there.
The work is almost done.

almost

2 of 2

adjective

: very near but not quite
an almost failure

Synonyms of almost

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Adverb

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of almost in a Sentence

Adverb Analysts predict that rates will rise by almost 40 percent. Goats will eat almost anything. Adjective burdened with impossibly high expectations, the movie came to be regarded as an almost failure
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.
Adverb
Picking up a claw clip when your hair is on its last leg almost feels like second nature. — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 2026 In fact, the idea of splitting atoms for propulsion and power was being seriously considered almost as soon as the first atomic explosions were made public. — David Szondy july 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Adjective
That also means its almost time for clocks to fall back. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025 West made his triumphant return to Twitter last Friday after an almost year-long hiatus. — NBC News, 21 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for almost

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English ealmǣst, from eall + mǣst most

Adjective

derivative of almost entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of almost was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing almost

Rhymes for almost

See All Rhymes for almost

Browse Nearby Words

Almoravid
almost
almost a certainty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Almost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almost. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

almost

adverb
al·​most
ˈȯl-ˌmōst, 
ȯl-ˈmōst
: only a little less than : nearly
we're almost finished

More from Merriam-Webster on almost

Nglish: Translation of almost for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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