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 The next day, a close call occurred between a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 taking off and a flight of US Air Force T-38 jets flying over the neighboring Arlington National Cemetery. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 The wardrobe close call was the latest candid moment from Clarkson during her Las Vegas residency. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Commenters on Jacobs’ post were sympathetic to his close call in nearly dropping an expletive. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 In Atlanta, this became evident when two large planes were involved in a close call that narrowly avoided a collision. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Aug. 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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Style

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of close call

noun

Example Sentences

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