nearness

noun

Definition of nearnessnext
1
as in intimacy
the state of being in a very personal or private relationship my cousin and I have lost that nearness we had when we were kids

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proximity
the state or condition of being near our nearness to the theme park has made us beloved by relatives from all over the country

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 nearness The nearness of bees, and of other things that agitate most people, calms me. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025 That tension—between nearness and distance, inside and outside—defines the film’s structure and tone. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026 The nearness of the zealous asteroid Eris in Aries adds a touch of drama and intensity to the cosmic atmosphere. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 10 June 2026 City officials say the project is complicated because of the nearness of the freeway and the Los Angeles River. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 Overstating the nearness of human-level intelligence or ignoring ethical, safety, and energy concerns erodes trust and triggers backlash. — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearness
  1. intimacy
  2. proximity
  3. familiarity
  4. belonging
  5. kinship
Noun
  • While Tuesday’s show is due to mark a shift back to craftsmanship and intimacy, the designer is set to release another project later this year involving virtual reality.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Colored by a palpable sense of filmmaker and subject building a friendship and a professional understanding in real time, this documentary’s intimacy feels hard-won, and entirely genuine.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 6 July 2026
Definition of intimacy
Noun
  • However, Luna’s close proximity with Chiron in Taurus can also reveal where our attachment to safety and comfort has essentially inhibited us from our own potential.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • The proximity-to-Trump angle didn’t work for the US men’s team, or for holders of his meme coin, or for many of the CEOs that have sought his favor.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of proximity
Noun
  • Reliability, familiarity and consistency go a long way when a franchise is laying a new foundation and needs people to serve as the blueprint.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • However, this isn't a slight but a strategic move for athlete performance and familiarity.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of familiarity
Noun
  • Investigators later recovered some of Warren’s belongings behind a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Dalton, a city located in northwest Georgia.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • This version from Quince has a separate compartment for a laptop, as well as two separate sections to keep the remaining belongings organized.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of belonging
Noun
  • Genuine kinship, even for a few hours, can feel harder than ever to find.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 30 June 2026
  • Raise the Future offers Family Support Services for foster, kinship and adoptive families.
    — Libby Smith, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of kinship

Browse Nearby Words

near misses
nearness
nears
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on nearness

Nglish: Translation of nearness for Spanish Speakers

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