near

A short time away from the present or from another event.

• We hope to meet in the near future.
• The deadline is getting nearer.
• The two events were near in time.

Similar words: close, imminent

Opposites: distant

Common phrases: near future, near date, near in time

Very close to being something, but not completely or exactly that thing.

• The cars had a near miss.
• The performance was a near disaster.
• Winning seemed a near certainty.

Similar words: almost complete, virtual

Common phrases: near miss, near disaster, near certainty

Closely connected to your feelings or interests, and important to you.

• She kept her near and dear friends close.
• The matter was near to his heart.
• He spoke warmly of those nearest to him.

How to use it: near to someone’s heart (This cause is near to her heart.)

Similar words: dear, close

Opposites: distant

Common phrases: near and dear, near to someone, near someone’s heart

Very similar to the thing being copied or followed.

• The translation is near to the original.
• He produced a near copy of the drawing.
• This version is nearer to the source text.

How to use it: near to something (Her version is near to the original.)

Similar words: close, faithful

Common phrases: near to original, near translation, near copy

Almost, but not completely.

• The climb was near impossible.
• He was near exhausted by sunset.
• The room was near empty when we arrived.

Similar words: nearly, almost

Common phrases: near impossible, near perfect, near enough

Only a short distance away from someone or something.

• We live near the park.
• She sat near the window.
• Is there a shop near your house?

Similar words: close to, by

Opposites: far from

Common phrases: near the station, near someone, live near something, near the river

Close to a particular amount, condition, or quality.

• The factory is near full capacity.
• Your guess is near the truth.
• Her work comes near perfection.

Similar words: close to

Opposites: far from

Common phrases: near the limit, near perfection, near the truth

To move closer to a place, time, or point.

• We neared the village.
• The project is nearing completion.
• As winter nears, the days grow shorter.

Similar words: approach

Opposites: recede

Common phrases: near the end, near completion, near the coast