close[adjective]

Entry Word: close

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 having little space between items or parts <the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy>

Synonyms compact, crowded, dense, jam-packed, packed, serried, thick, tight

Related Words airtight, snug; compacted, compressed, condensed; firm, hard, solid; impenetrable, impermeable, impervious

Near Antonyms commodious, roomy, spacious

Antonyms loose, uncrowded

2 not being distant in time, space, or significance <my birthday is close to Christmas> <a shopping mall that is very close to the highway> <these words are close synonyms>

Synonyms immediate, near, nearby, neighboring, next-door, nigh

Related Words abutting, adjacent, adjoining, bordering, contiguous; approaching, coming, forthcoming, oncoming, upcoming; accessible, convenient, handy

Phrases at hand

Near Antonyms divorced, removed, separated

Antonyms away, distant, far, faraway, far-off, remote

3 showing little difference in the standing of the competitors <the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted>

Synonyms narrow, nip and tuck, tight

Related Words crowded

4 closely acquainted <close friends> — see familiar 1
5 given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge <she was as close as a stone> — see secretive
6 giving or sharing as little as possible <folks who are very close when charity calls> — see stingy 1
7 lacking fresh air <a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere> — see stuffy 1
8 meeting the highest standard of accuracy <a close study of the item> — see precise 1

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