nears

verb

present tense third-person singular of near
1
as in closes
to come near or nearer as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in approaches
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 nears The budget deadline nears after a banner week for the mayor. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 26 June 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 This unexpected shift has turned what seemed like a one-sided contest into one of baseball's most compelling storylines as the All-Star break nears, highlighting the Phillies' impressive recovery. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 As our country nears its semiquincentennial this July 4, there’s no better time to celebrate how each of the 50 states contributes to the richly diverse fabric that makes America so beautiful. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 Now, as training camp nears with a ground-up rebuild underway, there is cause to hope that the Fins finally got it right with new coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. — Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 As America nears its 250th anniversary, Naper Settlement has several patriotic events planned to celebrate. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Not trying to be AWS Cloud infrastructure is a particularly valuable commodity as the generative AI boom nears its fourth anniversary, and is something that very few companies can afford to provide at scale. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 2 July 2026 As the mega pop star and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end's wedding at New York City's most iconic venue, Madison Square Garden, nears, sources tell PEOPLE that guests must dress to impress — but ditch their cellphones. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nears
  1. closes
  2. approaches
  3. comes
  4. enters
Verb
  • Either way, Reyes didn't spend long with San Diego's organization, and the release closes another chapter in a long and persistent career.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The shops on Main Street USA stay open 30 to 60 minutes after the park closes.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 2 July 2026
Definition of closes
Verb
  • Washington still approaches Africa country by country, while Africa is organizing itself as a continental market.
    — Daniele Nyirandutiye, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
  • As the 16th anniversary of their July 13, 2010 nuptials approaches, the now-52-year-old Penelope Cruz tells People that even now, the mystery between the couple is alive and well.
    — Alessandra De Tommasi, Vanity Fair, 5 July 2026
Definition of approaches
Verb
  • Harry's decision comes amid ongoing discussions with the royal family to acquire an appropriate level of security for his family, including Meghan Markle and their two children, Princess Lilibet, 5, and Prince Archie, 7.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Gentle self-expression comes easily as the emotional Moon in your sign harmonizes with the vibrant Sun in your 5th House of Creativity and Play.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of comes
Verb
  • As the match enters a hydration break, Austria — which has already gone for broke with four substitutions this half — will have to try something different to rally.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Sudo enters as the dominant force in the women’s division, seeking her 12th victory.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of enters

Browse Nearby Words

nearness
nears
nearshore
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on nears

Nglish: Translation of nears for Spanish Speakers

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