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Synonyms

closeness

American  
[klohs-nis] / ˈkloʊs nɪs /

noun

  1. nearness in space or time.

    Reclining my seat on the plane, I was aware of the closeness of the seats behind me.

    All the media reports of the attack noted its closeness to Easter.

  2. the state or quality of having a strong bond of love or friendship; intimacy.

    After the breakup, he thought he would never feel trust or real closeness again.

  3. nearness in kind or relationship.

    Their analysis emphasized the closeness of the correlation between food prices and energy prices.

  4. the state or condition of having parts or elements near to one another; tightness or density.

    Durability of the silk depends on the quality of the thread and the closeness of the weave.

  5. the quality or condition of leaving the hair, grass, etc., very short or flush with the surface.

    My wife and children have noticed the closeness of the shave I get with my new razor.

  6. the quality or condition of not deviating from a model or original.

    In certain passages the closeness of the translation is marvelous, but usually he paraphrases the original quite a bit.

  7. the quality or condition of being nearly even or equal, as of a contest or competition.

    Given the closeness of the race so far, it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the mayoral election.

  8. the state or quality of being similar in degree, action, feeling, etc..

    Observers at the trial were deeply moved by her cracking voice and closeness to tears.

    In the midst of my waning courage and closeness to despair, you helped me find hope and purpose.

  9. the state or condition of being confined or narrow.

    Despite the closeness of the quarters—one main room shared by our two families—we all got along.

  10. a heavy, oppressive, or stifling condition due to heat, humidity, lack of ventilation or breeze, etc.; stuffiness or sultriness.

    After an hour's conversation I left, half stifled by the heat and closeness of the room.

    The brooding closeness of the atmosphere, even at night, smothers all activity in the rainforest.

  11. the quality of being rigorous, detailed, probing, etc., as of an examination, study, or the like.

    One important need is to increase the closeness of the research carried out in public universities.


Other Word Forms

  • overcloseness noun

Etymology

Origin of closeness

First recorded in 1525–35; close ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She also described the physical closeness, attention and shared emotional journey of reading to a youngster, describing it as a "magic triangle" of adult, book and child.

From BBC

The growing closeness between Olive, played with quiet radiance by Ms. Rogers, and William, whom Mr. McHale renders with galumphing gawkiness, forms another affecting strand of the score.

From The Wall Street Journal

It's a relaxed image, projecting their closeness as a family.

From BBC

Have it on a Friday — Venus day, the astrological day of love and closeness.

From Los Angeles Times

The intensity of our closeness and the energy between us was palpable, and we soon found ourselves at a quieter bar called Schatzi on Main where we had our first kiss.

From Los Angeles Times