near

³near

adj

Definition of NEAR

1

a : not far distant in time, place, or degree <in the near future> b : almost happening : narrowly missed or avoided <a near win in the primary> <a near midair collision> c : nearly not happening <a near escape>

2

: closely related or intimately associated <her nearest and dearest friend>

3

a : being the closer of two <the near side> b : being the left-hand one of a pair <the near wheel of a cart>

4

: direct, short <the nearest road>

5

: stingy, closefisted

6

a : closely resembling the standard or typical <a near desert> b : approximating the genuine <near silk>

— near·ness noun

Examples of NEAR

1. The nearest grocery store is three blocks away.
2. The near side headlight is out.

First Known Use of NEAR

14th century

Related to NEAR

Synonyms: closer, hither, nigher, this

Antonyms: far, farther, further, opposite, other, that

Related Words: fore, forward, front, inside

Near Antonyms: distant, remote, remoter; back, outside

see all synonyms and antonyms

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