near 1 of 4

preposition

Definition of nearnext
as in around
close to please don't cough near me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
as in living
closely resembling the object imitated the dress is made from a near silk that would fool anyone but an expert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in close
not being distant in time, space, or significance the famous prediction that in the near future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in familiar
closely acquainted only her nearest friends know she's pregnant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

near

3 of 4

adverb

ˈnir How to pronounce near (audio)
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
as in almost
very close to but not completely it's near six o'clock, so we should start preparing dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in approximately
close to but not exactly it takes somewhere near an hour to get there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

near

4 of 4

verb

1
as in to close
to come near or nearer as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approach
to move closer to as we near the church, you'll be able to see the bas-relief sculptures better

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 near
Preposition
Parents can also lower the risk by taking children on regular bathroom breaks, checking diapers often and changing them in a restroom instead of near the pool. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 The three Brazilians, who live near Brasilia, had flown up to Miami for a holiday and decided to attend their first World Cup. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Adjective
The nearest manufacturer to Ford's recall pace is Chrysler, which has issued 19 recalls so far this year, NHTSA said. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The board’s near-unanimous endorsement of Bell was also a stunning outcome for an acrimonious hiring process that drew scrutiny from high-ranking GOP officials all the way up to the White House. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Adverb
Otherwise, Groove, like the rest of Rhythm Heaven series, is a near-perfect collection of bite-sized rhythm action. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 1 July 2026 The facilities require near-constant cooling systems to keep systems from overheating. — Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Verb
As the United States neared its 250th birthday in recent months, a new spin on the Stars and Stripes appeared outside homes and on banners dangling from government buildings. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Preparations are underway as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding day nears, and experts say is likely a prenuptial agreement will be included in those final touches. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for near
Recent Examples of Synonyms for near
  1. around
  2. relative
  3. living
  4. close
  5. familiar
  6. in
  7. closely
  8. almost
Preposition
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of around
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
Adjective
  • While plastic borders have gained popularity over the years for their practicality, many gardeners are now gravitating towards living borders consisting of plants, which offer a more natural look and can provide additional benefits, such as habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026
  • What challenges is the co-living industry facing?
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Definition of living
Adjective
  • Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Ashley Smith is the manager of player engagement for the NFL, and the siblings are close.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of close
Adjective
  • Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
    — Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of familiar
Adverb
  • Pancho Morris, who flew in from Ohio, had never been to a World Cup match before.
    — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Arda Güler helped Turkey get on the board with a goal 10 minutes in.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of in
Adverb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Jonathan Anderson, the creative director behind Dior's women's, men's and haute couture collections, worked closely with the couple to create their wedding looks.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of closely
Adverb
  • Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 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
Definition of almost

Phrases Containing near

Browse Nearby Words

Neanderthals
near
nearby
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Cite this Entry

“Near.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/near. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of near for Spanish Speakers

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