nearly

American  

[neer-lee] / ˈnɪər li /

adverb

1. all but; almost.

   nearly dead with cold.

2. with close approximation.

   a nearly perfect likeness.

3. with close agreement or resemblance.

   a plan nearly like our own.

4. with close kinship, interest, or connection; intimately.

   nearly associated in business;

   two women nearly related.

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nearly British  

/ ˈnɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. not quite; almost; practically

2. nowhere near; not at all

   not nearly enough money

3. closely

   the person most nearly concerned

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Synonym Usage

See almost.

Etymology

Origin of nearly

First recorded in 1530–40; near + -ly

Explanation

When something nearly happens, it comes very close to occurring, but doesn't. Nearly is a useful adverb for describing things that are almost accomplished. If you and your brother nearly win the three-legged race, you lose by a matter of seconds. And, if you nearly drop your dog's leash at a busy intersection, your heart might pound from the closeness of your best pal's brush with danger. An interesting detail about nearly is that it nearly ended up with a different meaning: until the late 1600s, in fact, it meant "carefully."

Example Sentences

Nearly 14,000 artists earned $100,000 in Spotify royalties alone last year, and independent artists and labels accounted for about half of all payments, according to the streamer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Nearly everyone agrees that these numbers are probably an undercount.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Nearly 90% of Americans meet the criteria for CKM, according to a 2024 study.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Nearly a decade on, Slade's influence on Saturday's 32-12 victory, which clinched a play-off spot for the Chiefs at Sarries' expense, was still key.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Nearly alive, as though it might speak to them all if they were quiet enough.

From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder

Related Words

• approximately
• practically
• roughly
• virtually