Close vs. Near — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 3, 2023
Close vs. Near: "Close" often implies direct adjacency or minimal distance, while "near" suggests proximity without direct contact. Both indicate short spatial or temporal distance.
Difference Between Close and Near
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Key Differences
When considering locations, saying a store is "close" might suggest it's just around the corner, while describing it as "near" might mean it's in the broader neighborhood. Hence, "close" often has a more definitive connotation than "near."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
"Close" and "near" are both used to describe proximity. However, "close" frequently has a sense of immediacy or direct adjacency, whereas "near" often implies a general vicinity without necessarily being adjacent.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Temporally speaking, "close" can refer to an imminent event (e.g., "The deadline is close."), whereas "near" might suggest an event is upcoming but not immediately so (e.g., "The deadline is near.").
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
In terms of emotional connections, one might say they are "close" to someone, denoting a strong bond. While "near" isn't often used in this context, it could denote physical proximity without emotional implications.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
In some contexts, both "close" and "near" can be used interchangeably without a significant shift in meaning. For instance, "She lives close to the park" and "She lives near the park" both convey similar messages of proximity.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Direct adjacency or minimal distance
Proximity without necessarily being adjacent
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Oct 03, 2023
Emotional Context
Often used to denote emotional proximity ("close friends")
Rarely used to denote emotional proximity
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Definitiveness
More definitive in terms of spatial proximity
Less definitive, broader sense of proximity
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Temporal Usage
Imminent events ("The meeting is close.")
Upcoming events, not immediately so ("The meeting is near.")
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Oct 03, 2023
Interchangeability
Can sometimes replace "near" without change in meaning
Can sometimes replace "close" without significant change in meaning
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Oct 03, 2023
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Definitions
Close
Only a short distance away or apart in space or time
Her birthday and mine were close together
The hotel is close to the sea
Why don't we go straight to the shops, as we're so close?
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling
The family history of cancer in close relatives
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way
Pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
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Near
To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time
Moved the table nearer to the wall.
As graduation draws near.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Uncomfortably humid or airless
It was very close in the dressing room
A close, hazy day
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Very near to someone or something; with very little space between
He was holding her close
They stood close to the door
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
A residential street without through access
She lives at 12 Goodwood Close
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Closely related by kinship or association; intimate
A near relative.
A near and dear friend.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
The end of an event or of a period of time or activity
The afternoon drew to a close
The seminar was brought to a close with a discussion of future trends
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Near
Nearly occurring but not actually happening
A near victory.
A near disaster.
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Close
The shutting of something, especially a door
The door jerked to a close behind them
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Move so as to cover an opening
She jumped on to the train just as the doors were closing
They had to close the window because of the insects
She closed the door quietly
I kept closing my eyes and nodding off
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Bring or come to an end
The concert closed with ‘Silent Night’
The members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
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Near
Closely resembling the genuine article
A dress of near satin.
Near silver beads.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time
A hoax call which closed the city's stations for 4 hours
The factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Gradually get nearer to someone or something
He tried to walk faster, but each time the man closed up on him again
They plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
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Close
Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate
Close friends.
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Close
Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact
A close weave.
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Near
Physically close.
I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.
Stay near at all times.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; intimate; dear.
A matter of near consequence to me.
A near friend
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling.
A version near to the original
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow.
A near escape
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Near
On the side nearest to the kerb (the left-hand side if one drives on the left).
The near front wheel came loose.
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Near
(dated) Next to the driver, when he is on foot; (US) on the left of an animal or a team.
The near ox; the near leg
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Close
Giving or spending with reluctance; stingy
He is known to be close with his money.
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Near
Within the currently selected segment in a segmented memory architecture.
A near pointer
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Close
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue near the palate, as the ee in meet. Used of vowels.
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Near
Nearly; almost.
He was near unconscious when I found him.
I jumped into the near-freezing water.
I near ruptured myself trying to move the piano.
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Near
Physically close to, in close proximity to.
There are habitable planets orbiting many of the stars near our Sun.
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Close
To move (a door, for example) so that an opening or passage is covered or obstructed; shut.
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Near
Close to in nature or degree.
His opinions are near the limit of what is acceptable.
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Near
(ambitransitive) To come closer to; to approach.
The ship nears the land.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To stop the operations of permanently or temporarily
Closed down the factory.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
The left side of a horse or of a team of horses pulling a carriage etc.
Off side
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Close
To make unavailable for use
Closed the area to development.
Closed the database to further changes.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree; not remote; nigh.
My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To bring together all the elements or parts of
Management closed ranks and ostracized the troublemaker.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote; close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh.
He served great Hector, and was ever near,Not with his trumpet only, but his spear.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(Sports) To modify (one's stance), as in baseball or golf, by turning the body so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact with the ball.
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Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling; as, a version near to the original.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow{3}; as, a near escape; a near miss.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
To draw near; to approach.
A speck, a mist, a shape, I wist!And still it neared, and neared.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To be priced or listed at a specified amount when trading ends
Stocks closed higher on Monday.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Move towards;
We were approaching our destination
They are drawing near
The enemy army came nearer and nearer
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To draw near
The orbiter closed with the space station in preparation for docking.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Being on the left side;
The near or nigh horse is the one on the left
The animal's left side is its near or nigh side
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Close
(Baseball) To finish a game by protecting a lead. Used of relief pitchers.
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Near
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Very close in resemblance;
Sketched in an approximate likeness
A near likeness
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Fiza Rafique
Aug 04, 2021
Close
(klōs) An enclosed place, especially land surrounding or beside a cathedral or other building.
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Aug 04, 2021
Near
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';
The job is (just) about done
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
We're almost finished
The car all but ran her down
He nearly fainted
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours
The recording is well-nigh perfect
Virtually all the parties signed the contract
I was near exhausted by the run
Most everyone agrees
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To move so that an opening is closed.
Close the door behind you when you leave.
Jim was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To make (e.g. a gap) smaller.
The runner in second place is closing the gap on the leader.
To close the ranks of an army
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Close
To put an end to; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to consummate.
Close the session;
To close a bargain;
To close a course of instruction
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Close
To make the final outs, usually three, of a game.
He has closed the last two games for his team.
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Close
(surveying) To have a vector sum of 0; that is, to form a closed polygon.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(intransitive) To do the tasks (putting things away, locking doors, etc.) required to prepare a store or other establishment to shut down for the night.
Whoever closed last night forgot to turn off the closet light.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
An end or conclusion.
We owe them our thanks for bringing the project to a successful close.
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Close
(sales) The point at the end of a sales pitch when the consumer is asked to buy.
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Close
The time when checkin staff will no longer accept passengers for a flight.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(Scotland) A very narrow alley between two buildings, often overhung by one of the buildings above the ground floor.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
(legal) The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not enclosed
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact.
A close translation; a close copy
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict.
The patient was kept under close observation.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Almost, but not quite (getting to an answer or goal); near
No, but you were close.
We were so close to winning!
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To stop, or fill up, as an opening; to shut; as, to close the eyes; to close a door.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To bring together the parts of; to consolidate; as, to close the ranks of an army; - often used with up.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To bring to an end or period; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to end; to consummate; as, to close a bargain; to close a course of instruction.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To come or gather around; to inclose; to encompass; to confine.
The depth closed me round about.
But now thou dost thyself immure and closeIn some one corner of a feeble heart.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To come together; to unite or coalesce, as the parts of a wound, or parts separated.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
To end, terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six o'clock.
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Close
To grapple; to engage in hand-to-hand fight.
They boldly closed in a hand-to-hand contest.
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Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
The doors of plank were; their close exquisite.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Conclusion; cessation; ending; end.
His long and troubled life was drawing to a close.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
At every close she made, the attending throngReplied, and bore the burden of the song.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
An inclosed place; especially, a small field or piece of land surrounded by a wall, hedge, or fence of any kind; - specifically, the precinct of a cathedral or abbey.
Closes surrounded by the venerable abodes of deans and canons.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
A narrow passage leading from a street to a court, and the houses within.
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Close
The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not inclosed.
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Close
Shut fast; closed; tight; as, a close box.
From a close bower this dainty music flowed.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude; - said of the air, weather, etc.
If the rooms be low-roofed, or full of windows and doors, the one maketh the air close, . . . and the other maketh it exceeding unequal.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Out of the way observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
"Her close intent."
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Having the parts near each other; dense; solid; compact; as applied to bodies; viscous; tenacious; not volatile, as applied to liquids.
The golden globe being put into a press, . . . the water made itself way through the pores of that very close metal.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Adjoining; near; either in space; time, or thought; - often followed by to.
Plant the spring crocuses close to a wall.
The thought of the Man of sorrows seemed a very close thing - not a faint hearsay.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Intimate; familiar; confidential.
League with you I seekAnd mutual amity, so strait, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with me.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact; strict; as, a close translation.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict; not wandering; as, a close observer.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Uttered with a relatively contracted opening of the mouth, as certain sounds of e and o in French, Italian, and German; - opposed to open.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Secretly; darkly.
A wondrous vision which did close implyThe course of all her fortune and posterity.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Cease to operate or cause to cease operating;
The owners decided to move and to close the factory
My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Complete a business deal, negotiation, or an agreement;
We closed on the house on Friday
They closed the deal on the building
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Bar access to;
Due to the accident, the road had to be closed for several hours
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.);
The meeting was closed with a charge by the chairman of the board
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Come together, as if in an embrace;
Her arms closed around her long lost relative
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of;
Close the circuit
Close a wound
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Be priced or listed when trading stops;
The stock market closed high this Friday
My new stocks closed at $59 last night
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Change one's body stance so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead;
The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other;
Close to noon
How close are we to town?
A close formation of ships
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Close in relevance or relationship;
A close family
We are all...in close sympathy with...
Close kin
A close resemblance
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Rigorously attentive; strict and thorough;
Close supervision
Paid close attention
A close study
Kept a close watch on expenditures
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Close
Marked by fidelity to an original;
A close translation
A faithful copy of the portrait
A faithful rendering of the observed facts
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Close
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
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Close
Lacking fresh air;
A dusty airless attic
The dreadfully close atmosphere
Hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
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Close
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information;
Although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
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Aug 04, 2021
Close
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Fiza Rafique
Aug 04, 2021
FAQs
Is "near" commonly used for emotional connections?
No, "near" is more often used for physical proximity.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Is "near miss" an oxymoron?
It may sound like one, but "near miss" means something just missed or barely avoided.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
What prepositions are commonly used with "near"?
"Near" is often used with "to" (e.g., near to the station).
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Can "near" imply something that almost happened?
Yes, like in "near disaster" or "near success."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Are "close" and "near" always interchangeable?
No, while they can both indicate proximity, their usage and connotations may differ.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Can "close" refer to emotional proximity?
Yes, like in "close friends" or "close relatives."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Is "close" more definitive than "near"?
Often, "close" implies a more immediate proximity than "near."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Is "close" related to shutting something?
Yes, as a verb, "close" means to shut or seal an opening.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Is "close" always about physical or emotional proximity?
No, "close" can also mean to end or conclude, like "close a deal."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
If something is "close to completion," is it almost done?
Yes, it means it's nearing its finish.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Does "close by" mean the same as "nearby"?
Yes, both indicate something in close proximity.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
What's the difference between "near future" and "close future"?
Both imply upcoming events, but "near future" is more commonly used.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
If something is "nearing," what does that mean?
It means it's approaching or getting close to a particular point.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Which word, "close" or "near," is more versatile in usage?
"Close" has more varied uses, from spatial to temporal and even as a verb.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 03, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
