closer

noun

clos·​er ˈklō-zər How to pronounce closer (audio)
Synonyms of closernext
: one that closes
especially : a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games

Examples of closer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Palencia would have established himself as one of the sport’s top closers, and the Cubs wouldn’t have needed to set a franchise record with 13 pitchers recording at least one save. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Rather, in the 158th Belmont running, three Triple Crown deep closers famously battled it out down the lane, speed horses nowhere in sight. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 So says the pilot of Suits, a legal drama about Mike Ross, a college dropout who becomes a law associate under the mentorship of Harvey Specter, one of the top closers in New York City. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 Whitlock has primarily been used with the lead in the eighth inning as a bridge to Aroldis Chapman, who once again ranks among the game’s most dominant closers. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for closer

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of closer was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing closer

Rhymes for closer

See All Rhymes for closer

Browse Nearby Words

close quarters
closer
close ranks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Closer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on closer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for closer

Nglish: Translation of closer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about closer

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