nearby

adverb or adjective

near·​by nir-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈnir-ˌbī
Synonyms of nearbynext
: close at hand

Synonyms of nearby

Relevance
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Examples of nearby in a Sentence

grabbed the nearby quilt and gently laid it over the sleeping child I'll be nearby if you need anything
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.
While plenty of players were teeing up on the ground nearby, course managers ask that players stay on the mats. — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 7 July 2026 Either option keeps your pet nearby during meal prep without the bowls sitting in the middle of the floor. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 That building and others nearby were evacuated shortly thereafter. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The new Creative Arts Center being planned by Starting Arts and other partners is set to open nearby in August, too. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nearby

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nearby was in the 15th century

Rhymes for nearby

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Browse Nearby Words

near beer
nearby
near completion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

nearby

adverb or adjective
near·​by ni(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce nearby (audio)
ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī
: close at hand

More from Merriam-Webster on nearby

Nglish: Translation of nearby for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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