CLOSE CALL Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

close call

noun

ˈklōs-

Definition of close call

as in narrow escape

a barely successful escape from something undesirable the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misfire

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of close call Two Delta Air Lines planes carrying hundreds of passengers between them had a close call at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this week and had to perform evasive maneuvers. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 29 July 2026 Indeed, economists at Bank of America wrote that the spike in oil prices has made the FOMC meeting a close call. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 July 2026 On the other end of the field, goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz saved a few close calls to finish off her seventh career shutout, setting a new club record. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 July 2026 Whether there are sufficient facts necessary to satisfy the UPEPA standard ― which is essentially the summary judgment standard ― may be a close call where the litigants will not know until the court ultimately rules. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for close call

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call

close shave

Noun

The shaver’s gold-foil covers are hypoallergenic and allow for a close shave without harmful lacerations.

— Bria McNeal, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
Villa rely on its revenue to push their limits, so going another year on the outside will mean player sales, budget cuts and very, very close shaves with financial sanctions.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Definition of close shave

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close call

close calls

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“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of close call

noun

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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