CLOSE-IN Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

close in 1 of 2

verb

ˈklōz-

Definition of close in

as in to close

to come near or nearer the eagle closed in on its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to darken

to grow dark with evening closing in we knew we had to find shelter fairly soon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close-in

2 of 2

adjective

as in convenient

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 in

Adjective

The close-in Washington suburbs are home to a handful of beautiful private clubs — all of them expensive. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 15 May 2026 Over several hours, the American warships and supporting aircraft mounted a layered defense, firing their five-inch naval guns and their close-in weapon systems known as CIWS, officials said. — James Laporta, CBS News, 7 May 2026 The Bulwark is the tank of the party and focuses on close-in combat. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026 This revealed that around 10% of stars like the sun host a close-in planet, validating findings made by TESS's exoplanet-hunting predecessor Kepler. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close in

Verb

Initial results are expected to begin coming in shortly after polls close, with additional results expected after voting ends in the Central time zone.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
With two weeks remaining until the summer transfer window SLAMS SHUT (or simply closes), Chelsea are set to be typically busy.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Verb

The sky darkened suddenly, as if it had been turned down by a dimmer switch, and Decoteau frowned at a weather app on his phone.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
The funeral was held less than a week after her signature song served as the soundtrack at celebrations marking a total eclipse that darkened skies across parts of Europe.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of darken

Adjective

Yet our tendency to use body mass as a convenient proxy for unhealthy weight gain may obfuscate the true risks – and even benefits – of being a little bigger.

— Mike McRae August 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
As operators seek to add more drinks to their menus, Coke must add more convenient beverage options — or risk losing sales to a competitor.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of convenient

Verb

As for Joe Musgrove’s next opportunity, that will come Thursday for Triple-A El Paso for Oklahoma City.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Menon came aboard on July 14, making the trip on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft along with cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of come

Verb

With minimal humidity, near-perfect clear-sky frequency and vast empty horizons, Namibia offers the kind of slow, immersive darkness that makes dusking feel less like a trend and more like a return to something ancient.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The park is open from daylight to dusk for visitors and 24/7 for campers.

— Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of dusk

Adjective

Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness, the nefarious birth father of agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowdon), also makes an appearance, and the trailer previews plenty of explosions, shootouts and even hand-to-hand combat.

— Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
At this point, the owners and the union are merely sparring, lobbing jabs back and forth without really engaging in true hand-to-hand combat.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of hand-to-hand

Verb

No, what’s so funny is that this is the first time that’s ever come up.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Instead of sending an account executive to smooth things over, Dibrov booked a red-eye flight himself, showed up in person, and talked the customer back into the relationship by coming up with a plan to resolve any technical issues.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of come up

Browse Nearby Words

close-grained

close in

close-in

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Style

“Close in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20in. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of close in

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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