almost 1 of 2

adverb

ˈȯl-ˌmōst How to pronounce almost (audio)
Definition of almostnext
as in nearly
very close to but not completely we were almost finished with dinner when an unexpected visitor showed up there were almost enough seats for everybody on the bus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

almost

2 of 2

adjective

as in relative
being such only when compared to something else burdened with impossibly high expectations, the movie came to be regarded as an almost failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 almost
Adverb
Millions of dollars can transform hardwood into almost anything imaginable. — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026 An index tracking semiconductor stocks has surged almost 88% since March, its best quarterly performance on record, according to FactSet data that goes back until to 1994. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Adjective
West made his triumphant return to Twitter last Friday after an almost year-long hiatus. — NBC News, 21 Apr. 2018 Despite arguably kicking off the trend of internet shutdowns a decade ago with an almost year-long blackout in the western province of Xinjiang, China is not a frequent offender. — James Griffiths, CNN, 9 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for almost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for almost
  1. nearly
  2. relative
  3. practically
  4. virtually
  5. fairly
Adverb
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • As night falls, the doors open and the nearly 5,000 attendees walk in.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of nearly
Adjective
  • Standard container dimensions also enable civilian transportation infrastructure to move military assets with relative ease, improving operational flexibility, reported SCMP.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • Another factor in the increasing scores across the board in Florida could be the relative youth of the FAST test, which was first used in 2022.
    — Austin Horn July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of relative
Adverb
  • And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
  • Loose dresses are a lifesaver when humidity strikes, and this midi style was practically made for tropical temperatures.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of practically
Adverb
  • The rows of chairs facing the stage offered virtually no shade, including reserved sections for VIPs and World War II veterans.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • Drought covered virtually the entire Plains, destroying crops with deficient rainfall, high temperatures, high winds, insect infestations and dust storms.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of virtually
Adverb
  • Douglas said automatic gratuities also serve a practical purpose for larger parties, helping to ensure servers are fairly compensated for the additional coordination and service those tables require.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Still, box office held fairly steady in the June heat, with total receipts of $36,698,946 down just 6% from the previous week and 7% from this time last season.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of fairly

Browse Nearby Words

almoners
almost
alms
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Cite this Entry

“Almost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/almost. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on almost

Nglish: Translation of almost for Spanish Speakers

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