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
According to Kostick, while awaiting a van to transport Stewart to the nearest police station, his mood changed.
Before Eric Garner, There Was Michael Stewart: The Tragic Story of the Real-Life Radio Raheem | Marlow Stern | December 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut all of them add up to a coiled-up rage, ready to lash out at the nearest target.
Of Gamers, Gates, and Disco Demolition: The Roots of Reactionary Rage | Arthur Chu | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSo we all walked down to the nearest pet store and Joan got her new dog Sammy.
The Directors of Joan Rivers Documentary 'A Piece of Work' Remember Its Star | Kevin Fallon | September 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMy nearest relation, my wife, is telling me to get off my database and take out the garbage.
Up To a Point: Robber Barons Make Way For Robber Nerds | P. J. O’Rourke | August 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTA vast database of doctors points you to the nearest licenser in your area.
After relievedly giving the pistol to the nearest soldier, he stumbled quickly over to Brion and took his hand.
Sense of Obligation | Henry Maxwell Dempsey (AKA Harry Harrison)But I suppose, as he is my nearest relative, it is but natural he should be anxious about my health.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3) | Charles James WillsI turned round, thrust my purse into the lap of the nearest, and with a light heart led the lady back to the hotel.
Perhaps the nearest approach to a pure æsthetic enjoyment in these early days is the love of flowers.
Children's Ways | James SullyAt once the sepoys at the Kashmir Gate fired a volley at the nearest officers, of whom three fell dead.
The Red Year | Louis Tracy
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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