NEARLY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nearly

adverb

ˈnir-lē

Definition of nearly

as in closely

to a close degree copy that design as nearly as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

closely
near

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in almost

very close to but not completely I nearly fell down the stairs

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 nearly With 93% of the votes reported, nearly 76% of respondents chose to remain part of Canada, according to the preliminary referendum results. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 21 Oct. 2026 Just one year after introducing Tencel Lyocell – HV100 to the denim market, Lenzing has already met its sales target and has onboarded nearly 50 mills across 13 countries. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 Both candidates are vying for the seat to replace Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement from the position last year after nearly 30 years in the Senate. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Atlas assembly overhaul The company released a nearly six-minute video showing how its manufacturing processes support rapid hardware development, letting engineers move from design changes to physical components and assembled robots faster. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nearly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearly

Adverb

The designation by the Energy Department means that more federal financing will be available for helium producers and that the government will monitor it more closely.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Even so, should Democrats take back the House next month, Musk would face congressional investigations — and lawmakers would closely scrutinize any attempts to merge his companies.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of closely

Adverb

Dominguez has been funded almost entirely by the teachers union.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Recorded live in a Norwegian church with the British organist Kit Downes, the album consists almost entirely of pipe organ and Sundfør’s steadfast, saintly voice.

— Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of almost

Adverb

Yet the 103-win Milwaukee Brewers and 98-win Tampa Bay Rays were the best teams in their respective leagues practically all season.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, were practically inseparable in their final years.

— Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of practically

Browse Nearby Words

nearing

nearly

near miss

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nearly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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