near
close; to a point or place not far away: Come near so I won't have to shout.
at, within, or to a short distance.
close in time: The New Year draws near.
close in relation; closely with respect to connection, similarity, intimacy, etc. (often used in combination): a near-standing position.
all but; almost; nearly: a period of near 30 years.
Nautical. close to the wind.
Archaic. in a thrifty or stingy manner.
being close by; not distant: the near fields.
being the lesser in distance: the near side.
short or direct: the near road.
close in time: the near future.
closely related or connected: our nearest relatives.
close to an original: a near translation.
closely affecting one's interests or feelings: a matter of near consequence to one.
intimate or familiar: a near friend.
narrow or close: a near escape.
thrifty or stingy: near with one's pocketbook.
(of two draft animals hitched together) being on the driver's left (as opposed to off): The near horse is going lame.
at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from or of: regions near the equator.
close to in time: near the beginning of the year.
close to a condition or state: He is near death.
to come or draw near; approach: The boat neared the dock. Storm clouds neared.
Idioms about near
near at hand,
in the immediate vicinity: There is a shopping area near at hand.
in the near future; soon: The departure is near at hand.
Origin of near
1Other words for near
11 | imminent, impending, approaching |
17 | tight, miserly |
Opposites for near
1, 2, 8-11, 18 | far |
17 | generous |
Other words from near
- nearness, noun
- o·ver·near, adjective, adverb
- o·ver·near·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use near in a sentence
As they neared the apartment complex where they both were living, yet another police car approached.
90 Seconds of Fury in Ferguson Are the Key to Making Peace in America | Michael Daly | November 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAs he neared his destination, Kenney turned left and struck out on his own path.
Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon | Robert Sam Anson | March 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAs we neared the end of the interview, Schakowsky asked, “Have you ever put on a burka?”
Can Congress Protect All Women? I-VAWA Is Gaining Backers | Eleanor Clift | November 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen the time neared for the funeral, a soldier ordered Pollard away from the area, saying it was too crowded.
As the president neared the end of his remarks, a young woman beside him began to wobble, on the verge of fainting.
Then, as he neared the room, a sound of music floated out to meet him— Tony was singing to his own accompaniment.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodAs they neared Paris, they heard firing, and became aware a slight skirmish was in progress.
The Courier of the Ozarks | Byron A. DunnAs you neared it, however, the watery veil seemed flung over them, like the foamy tulle over a bride.
Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayWithout drawing rein, they pushed on to Busseerutgunge, crossed the river Sai and neared the village of Bunnee.
The Red Year | Louis TracySo rapid was the pursuit that McNeil, as he neared Kirksville, could not bring over five hundred men into action.
The Courier of the Ozarks | Byron A. Dunn
British Dictionary definitions for near (1 of 2)
/ (nɪə) /
at or to a place or time not far away from; close to
at or to a place or time not far away; close by
near to not far from; near
short for nearly I was damn near killed
at or in a place not far away
(postpositive) not far away in time; imminent: departure time was near
(prenominal) only just successful or only just failing: a near escape
(postpositive) informal miserly, mean
(prenominal) closely connected or intimate: a near relation
to come or draw close (to)
Also called: nearside
the left side of a horse, team of animals, vehicle, etc
(as modifier): the near foreleg
Origin of near
1Derived forms of near
- nearness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for near- (2 of 2)
nearly; almost: a near-perfect landing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with near
In addition to the idioms beginning with near
- near at hand
- near miss
- near thing
- near to one's heart
also see:
- far and near
- in the near future
- not anything like (anywhere near)
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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