close
1 of 5verb
ˈklōz 
closed; closing
transitive verb
1
a
: to move so as to bar passage through something
Close the gate.
b
: to block against entry or passage
close a street
c
: to deny access to
The city closed the beach.
d
: to suspend or stop the operations of
close school
—often used with down They closed down the factory.
e
: screen, exclude
close a view
2
a
: to bring to an end or period
close an account
closed his football career with an outstanding big bowl performance
Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was accidental.
b
: to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
Remember to save the file before closing it.
c
: to conclude discussion or negotiation about
The question is closed.
also : to consummate (see consummate entry 2 sense 2) by performing something previously agreed
close a transfer of real estate title
3
a
: to bring or bind together the parts or edges of
a closed book
b
: to reduce to nil
closed the distance to the lead racer
c
: to fill up (something, such as an opening)
close the cracks with plaster of paris
d
: to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous
close a circuit
4
archaic : enclose, contain
intransitive verb
1
a
: to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening
The door closed quietly.
b
: to cease operation
The factory closed down.
The stores close at 9 p.m.
2
a
: to come together : meet
The jaws of the vise closed.
b
: to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
3
: to come to an end or period
The services closed with a short prayer.
4
: to enter into or complete an agreement
close on a deal
5
: to reduce a gap
closed to within two points
6
a
: to draw near
The ship was closing with the island.
b
: to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple
close with the enemy
closable adjective
or closeable
ˈklō-zə-bəl
close
2 of 5adjective
ˈklōs
closer; closest
1
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree
at close range
close to my birthday
close to the speed of sound
2
: intimate, familiar
close friends
3
: strict, rigorous
keep close watch
4
a
: very precise and attentive to details
a close reading
a close study
b
: marked by fidelity to an original
a close copy of an old master
c
: terse, compact
… his exact, close, sober classical style …—
Edmund Wilson
Edmund Wilson5
: decided or won by a narrow margin
a close baseball game
6
a
: very short or near to the surface
a close haircut
b
: fitting tightly or exactly
a close fit
7
: confined or carefully guarded
close quarters
close arrest
8
: having little space between items or units
a close weave
a close grain
9
: hot and stuffy
a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
10
: difficult to obtain
Money is close.
11
: not generous in giving or spending : tight
… a close buyer and a good marketer.—W. A. White
W. A. White12
: having no openings : closed
13
: restricted to a privileged class
a close scholarship
14
a
: secluded, secret
b
: secretive
She could tell us something if she would …. But she was as close as wax.—A. Conan Doyle
A. Conan Doyle15
a
of a vowel : high sense 13
b
: formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
Italian has a close and an open e.
16
of punctuation : characterized by liberal use especially of commas
closely adverb
closeness noun
close
3 of 5adverb
ˈklōs
: in a close position or manner
Don't drive so close to the car in front of you.
Look close and tell me what you see.
They sat close together on the bench.
close
4 of 5noun (1)
ˈklōz
1
a
: a coming or bringing to a conclusion
at the close of the party
b
: a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation
The decade drew to a close.
c
: the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
At the close of his speech, he thanked his supporters.
2
: the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
Following the close of the symphony, the audience rose and applauded.
3
: the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
4
archaic : a hostile encounter
close
5 of 5noun (2)
ˈklōs
U.S. also
ˈklōz 1
a
chiefly British : the precinct (see precinct sense 2a) of a cathedral
b
: an enclosed area
2
chiefly British
a
: a road closed at one end
b
: a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements
Synonyms
Verb
- make [chiefly dialect]
- shut
- steek [chiefly Scottish]
Adjective
- compact
- crowded
- dense
- jam-packed
- packed
- serried
- thick
- tight
Adverb
- around
- by
- hard
- in
- near
- nearby
- nigh
Noun (1)
- arrest
- arrestment
- cease
- cessation
- check
- closedown
- closure
- conclusion
- cutoff
- discontinuance
- discontinuation
- end
- ending
- expiration
- finish
- halt
- lapse
- offset
- shutdown
- shutoff
- stay
- stop
- stoppage
- surcease
- termination
Noun (2)
- court
- courtyard
- enclosure
- inclosure
- patio
- quad
- quadrangle
- yard
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain. I forgot to close the gate. She was having trouble closing the drawer. Close the lid on the box tightly. The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room. The box's lid closed with a bang. Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done. Please close your books and put them under your desks. Close your eyes and go to sleep. I closed my fists and got ready to fight. Adjective We're not there yet, but we're getting close. We stood close together to stay warm. Christmas is getting closer and will soon be here. Their daughters are close in age. close in size and shape Adverb Don't drive so close to the car in front of you. He told me to stay close as we walked through the crowd. The time for a decision is drawing closer. My teammate came in third, and I finished close behind. They sat close together at the dinner table. See More
Recent Examples on the WebPatrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2023 Finally, in late 2021, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg issued a strong statement saying the state would not approve any more expansions, which would force the landfill to close within a few years. —Globe Columnist, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Feb. 2023 This left the company vulnerable following the Covid-19 crisis that forced its theatres to close. —Royston Wild, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Independent grocers that were once backbones of their communities have been forced to close, leaving food deserts behind. —WSJ, 12 Feb. 2023 In 2020, Russia, a permanent member of the council, forced all but one aid border crossing to close. —Claire Parker, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2023 That set off an uproar that eventually forced the plant to close amid threats of federal criminal prosecution in 2015. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2023 The search for a man accused of shooting two officers in Maryland ended with his arrest Friday, bringing relief to a community forced to close schools and shelter in place during a 39-hour manhunt for the suspect. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2023 In 2020, Russia, a permanent member of the council, forced all but one aid border crossing to close. —Anchorage Daily News, 10 Feb. 2023 BostonGlobe.com, 19 Feb. 2023 The game was close throughout the first three quarters; the Huskies entered the final quarter leading 44-39. —Aaron Bracy, ajc, 18 Feb. 2023 The Verdict Both models were neck-and-neck during our testing, with their starting price, functionality, and question-answering capabilities being very close. —Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 17 Feb. 2023 Talley's possessions included several artworks and photographs, from modern art greats like former boss and friend Andy Warhol and close friends and mentors, including Diana Vreeland and Lagerfeld. —Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2023 What happens in the preceding scene is very important: Raju’s just realized that Bheem, his close friend, is the wanted man that he’s been chasing after. —Simon Abrams, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2023 The attentiveness and enthusiasm of the intimate crowd, paired with Yearwood’s innately conversational performance style, made the concert feel like an evening with a close friend (who happens to be a phenomenal vocalist). —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2023 Still others suggest a parent sleep in the nursery for a few nights so baby knows an adult is still close. —Good Housekeeping, 15 Feb. 2023 The contest wasn't close -- Sanders captured 63% of the vote compared with Jones' 35.2% share, but Jones outperformed other Democratic candidates running for constitutional offices. —Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 13 Feb. 2023 See More
Verb
The zoo fell on hard times when it was forced to close for a month in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2023 Finally, in late 2021, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg issued a strong statement saying the state would not approve any more expansions, which would force the landfill to close within a few years. —Globe Columnist, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Feb. 2023 This left the company vulnerable following the Covid-19 crisis that forced its theatres to close. —Royston Wild, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Independent grocers that were once backbones of their communities have been forced to close, leaving food deserts behind. —WSJ, 12 Feb. 2023 In 2020, Russia, a permanent member of the council, forced all but one aid border crossing to close. —Claire Parker, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2023 That set off an uproar that eventually forced the plant to close amid threats of federal criminal prosecution in 2015. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2023 The search for a man accused of shooting two officers in Maryland ended with his arrest Friday, bringing relief to a community forced to close schools and shelter in place during a 39-hour manhunt for the suspect. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2023 In 2020, Russia, a permanent member of the council, forced all but one aid border crossing to close. —Anchorage Daily News, 10 Feb. 2023 Adjective
Force captain Ann-Sophie Bettez broke the shutout bid with her 11th goal of the season early in the third, but that’s as close as Montreal would come. —BostonGlobe.com, 19 Feb. 2023 The game was close throughout the first three quarters; the Huskies entered the final quarter leading 44-39. —Aaron Bracy, ajc, 18 Feb. 2023 The Verdict Both models were neck-and-neck during our testing, with their starting price, functionality, and question-answering capabilities being very close. —Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 17 Feb. 2023 Talley's possessions included several artworks and photographs, from modern art greats like former boss and friend Andy Warhol and close friends and mentors, including Diana Vreeland and Lagerfeld. —Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2023 What happens in the preceding scene is very important: Raju’s just realized that Bheem, his close friend, is the wanted man that he’s been chasing after. —Simon Abrams, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2023 The attentiveness and enthusiasm of the intimate crowd, paired with Yearwood’s innately conversational performance style, made the concert feel like an evening with a close friend (who happens to be a phenomenal vocalist). —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2023 Still others suggest a parent sleep in the nursery for a few nights so baby knows an adult is still close. —Good Housekeeping, 15 Feb. 2023 The contest wasn't close -- Sanders captured 63% of the vote compared with Jones' 35.2% share, but Jones outperformed other Democratic candidates running for constitutional offices. —Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 13 Feb. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb and Noun (1)
Middle English, from Anglo-French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere to shut, close; perhaps akin to Greek kleiein to close — more at clavicle
Adjective
Middle English clos, from Anglo-French, from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere — see close entry 1
Noun (2)
Middle English clos, literally, enclosure, from Anglo-French clos, from Latin clausum, from neuter of clausus, past participle
First Known Use
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 12
Adverb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun (2)
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Phrases Containing close
Kids Definition
close
1 of 5 verb ˈklōz
closed; closing
1
a
: to move so as to prevent passage through something
close the gate
b
: to block against passage
close a street
2
: to stop the operations of
close school early
—often used with down 3
: to bring or come to an end or conclusion
close a deal
the meeting closed with a song
close the computer program
4
: to bring together the parts or edges of
a closed fist
close the book
5
a
: to draw near
the second-place runner was closing fast
b
: to engage in a struggle at close quarters
close with the enemy
closer noun
close
2 of 5 noun ˈklōz
: the point at which something ends
close
3 of 5 noun ˈklōs
: an enclosed area
close
4 of 5 adjective ˈklōs
closer; closest
1
: having no openings : closed
2
a
: hidden from sight
b
: not open or frank : secretive
3
: rigorous sense 1
keep close watch
4
: hot and stuffy
5
: not generous : stingy
close with money
6
: having little space between items or units
flying in close formation
7
: fitting tightly or exactly
8
: very short or near the surface
a close haircut
9
: being near in time, space, effect, or degree
10
: having a strong liking each one for the other
a close friend
11
: very precise and attentive to details
close measurements
a close observer
12
: decided by a narrow margin
a close race
closely adverb
closeness noun
close
5 of 5 adverb ˈklōs
: in a close position or manner
Legal Definition
close
1 of 2 verb closed; closing
transitive verb
1
: to bring to an end or to a state of completion
closed the case
close an estate by liquidating its assets
closing his account
2
: to conclude discussion or negotiation about
also : to bring to completion by performing something previously agreed
closing a merger
close the property sale
intransitive verb
1
: to enter into or complete an agreement (as for the sale of real estate)
they closed on the house
2
: to come to an end or to a state of completion
after the class closes, the trust shall continue…until the death of the last surviving member of the class—Louisiana Revised Statutes
Louisiana Revised Statutesclose
2 of 2 noun : an enclosed area
break another's close
Biographical Definition
Close
biographical name
ˈklōz commonly ˈklōs
commonly ˈklōs Chuck 1940– Charles Thomas Close American painter
close 1 of 5
adjective
1
as in tight
having little space between items or parts the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tight
- crowded
- packed
- dense
- thick
- jammed
- compact
- crammed
- squeezed
- pressed
- jam-packed
- solid
- overcrowded
- serried
- hard
- crushed
- massed
- snug
- compressed
- airtight
- congested
- condensed
- firm
- compacted
- impervious
- impenetrable
- wall-to-wall
- impermeable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open
- loose
- airy
- spacious
- uncrowded
- roomy
- commodious
2
as in near
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 & Similar Words
- near
- nearby
- immediate
- coming
- proximate
- neighboring
- at hand
- nigh
- convenient
- adjacent
- to hand
- next-door
- adjoining
- approaching
- close-up
- handy
- abutting
- bordering
- contiguous
- upcoming
- forthcoming
- accessible
- oncoming
- close-in
- hand-to-hand
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distant
- far
- deep
- away
- remote
- faraway
- separated
- far-off
- removed
- divorced
3
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted Synonyms & Similar Words
- narrow
- tight
- crowded
- hairbreadth
- down-to-the-wire
- nip and tuck
- neck and neck
4
as in intimate
closely acquainted a small wedding ceremony that was limited to close friends Synonyms & Similar Words
- intimate
- familiar
- near
- tight
- friendly
- comfortable
- inseparable
- inward
- bosom
- dear
- affectionate
- loving
- chummy
- social
- thick
- easy
- especial
- adoring
- buddy-buddy
- gracious
- boon
- confidential
- cozy
- convivial
- warm
- clannish
- companionable
- cordial
- devoted
- close-knit
- tight-knit
- snug
- secretive
- neighborly
- affable
- fond
- amicable
- hearty
- sociable
- genial
- gregarious
- tender
- tenderhearted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distant
- distant
- remote
- cold
- withdrawn
- cool
- detached
- aloof
- unfriendly
- frosty
- antisocial
- reserved
- standoffish
- unsociable
5
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge she was as close as a stone when it came to talking about her love life Synonyms & Similar Words
- silent
- quiet
- secretive
- closemouthed
- dark
- discreet
- prudent
- reticent
- tight-mouthed
- reserved
- uncommunicative
- sneak
- taciturn
- secret
- tight-lipped
- clandestine
- surreptitious
- covert
- furtive
- undercover
- sneaky
- stealthy
- underhand
- underhanded
- hugger-mugger
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open
- communicative
- frank
- honest
- candid
- blunt
- outspoken
- out-front
- tactless
- up-front
6
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible the kind of folks who are very close when charity calls Synonyms & Similar Words
- careful
- tight
- pinching
- closefisted
- mean
- cheap
- selfish
- desirous
- sparing
- small
- greedy
- miserly
- pinchpenny
- conserving
- parsimonious
- spare
- stingy
- saving
- economical
- ungenerous
- stinting
- tightfisted
- mingy
- uncharitable
- niggardly
- chintzy
- economizing
- niggard
- penurious
- grasping
- penny-pinching
- chary
- shabby
- skimping
- thrifty
- coveting
- frugal
- avid
- grudging
- scrimping
- sordid
- hoggish
- envious
- covetous
- begrudging
- avaricious
- mercenary
- acquisitive
- itchy
- inhospitable
- rapacious
- resentful
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- generous
- bountiful
- liberal
- charitable
- openhanded
- munificent
- bounteous
- unsparing
- unstinting
- free
- handsome
- lavish
- unselfish
- extravagant
- altruistic
- selfless
- hospitable
- overgenerous
- benevolent
- kindly
- profuse
- freehanded
- compassionate
- magnanimous
- beneficent
- humanitarian
- philanthropic
- greathearted
- philanthropical
- openhearted
- wasting
- dissipating
- wasteful
- unthrifty
- profligate
- squandering
- prodigal
- spendthrift
- good-hearted
- splurging
- frittering
- thriftless
7
as in suffocating
lacking fresh air a small room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere Synonyms & Similar Words
- suffocating
- thick
- stifling
- breathless
- stuffy
- heavy
- airless
- oppressive
- unventilated
- fuggy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sweet
- breezy
- bracing
- refreshing
- airy
- brisk
- reviving
- unstuffy
- restorative
- refreshed
- ventilated
- invigorating
8
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy a close analysis of the box-office performance of action movies Synonyms & Similar Words
- accurate
- precise
- mathematical
- fine
- careful
- pinpoint
- exact
- rigorous
- correct
- right
- delicate
- definite
- strict
- refined
- spot-on
- definitive
- hairline
- true
- nice
- subtle
- meticulous
- fastidious
- finicky
- finical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- round
- approximate
- rough
- wrong
- coarse
- loose
- inaccurate
- false
- incorrect
- imprecise
- inexact
- careless
- vague
- unclear
- doubtful
- questionable
- indefinite
- untrue
- dubious
- unreliable
- untrustworthy
close
2 of 5verb
1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening be sure to close the gate when you leave Synonyms & Similar Words
- shut
- lock
- seal
- slam
- make
- chain
- secure
- bar
- fasten
- latch
- steek
- bolt
- plug
- stopper
- bang
- batten (down)
- clap
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open
- unlock
- unfasten
- unseal
- unlatch
- unbolt
- unchain
- unbar
2
as in to close out
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve Synonyms & Similar Words
- shut
- close out
- close (down)
- phase out
- extinguish
- silence
- fold
- muzzle
- fail
- turn off
- suppress
- quell
- gag
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open
- start
- build
- expand
3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem Synonyms & Similar Words
- end
- finish
- conclude
- complete
- close out
- wrap up
- wind up
- perfect
- terminate
- put paid to
- climax
- crown
- ring down the curtain (on)
- consummate
- round (off or out)
- suspend
- stop
- halt
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open
- begin
- start
- commence
- inaugurate
4
as in to stop
to come to an end the services closed with a short prayer Synonyms & Similar Words
- end
- stop
- halt
- conclude
- expire
- cease
- go
- pass
- finish
- terminate
- die
- determine
- wind up
- quit
- stall
- leave off
- lapse
- discontinue
- break up
- break off
- dead-end
- stay
- elapse
- bite the dust
- let up
- wink (out)
- cut out
- pause
- suspend
- break down
- desist (from)
- refrain (from)
- wind down
- give over
- knock off
- lay off (of)
- pack (up or in)
- abate
- conk (out)
- peter (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- continue
- persist
- hang on
- extend
- prolong
- draw out
- protract
5
as in to near
to come near or nearer the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field Synonyms & Similar Words
- near
- come
- approach
- close in
- nigh
- come up
- reach
- belly up
- draw on
- arrive
- hit
- attain
- land
- gain
- touch
- border
- show up
- turn up
- make
- verge
- sneak up
- creep up
- adjoin
- waltz (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- withdraw
- retreat
- retire
- recede
- go
- leave
- remove
- back (up or away)
- exit
- quit
- take off
- depart
- pull out
- run away
- light out
- walk out
- shove (off)
- clear out
close
3 of 5adverb
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time the stranded passengers drew close for reassurance Synonyms & Similar Words
- near
- in
- nearby
- around
- by
- at hand
- at close quarters
- nigh
- hard
- within call
- along
- on one's doorstep
- alongside
- hereabouts
- thereabouts
- conveniently
- handily
- hereaway
- hereabout
- thereabout
- accessibly
- hereaways
close
4 of 5noun (1)
as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) a garden in a close at the center of the complex Synonyms & Similar Words
- courtyard
- patio
- quadrangle
- enclosure
- yard
- court
- quad
- plaza
- square
- place
- inclosure
- atrium
- deck
- terrace
- galleria
- peristyle
- parvise
- forecourt
- parvis
- curtilage
close
5 of 5noun (2)
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity at the close of the evening Synonyms & Similar Words
- ending
- halt
- end
- cessation
- closure
- conclusion
- stop
- stay
- finish
- shutdown
- cutoff
- cease
- offset
- expiration
- termination
- shutoff
- stoppage
- closedown
- check
- arrest
- discontinuance
- discontinuation
- lapse
- pause
- surcease
- standstill
- arrestment
- break
- suspension
- interruption
- abeyance
- moratorium
- phaseout
- layoff
- mop-up
- letup
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- continuation
- extension
- continuance
- persistence
- prolongation
2
as in closing
the last part of a process or action managed to conduct the negotiations to a satisfactory close Synonyms & Similar Words
- ending
- closing
- end
- conclusion
- finale
- finish
- culmination
- grand finale
- climax
- consummation
- endgame
- finis
- homestretch
- capper
- top
- windup
- pinnacle
- peak
- apex
- summit
- zenith
- wrap-up
- mop-up
- crescendo
- crown
- copestone
- high-water mark
- meridian
- capstone
- acme
- tail end
- aftermath
- epilogue
- tip-top
- postscript
- coda
- coup de grâce
- coup de grace
- tag end
- anticlimax
- shank
- epilog
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- opening
- beginning
- start
- baseline
- dawn
- introduction
- prelude
- preface
- day one
- overture
- nascency
- foreword
- nascence
- preamble
- prologue
- prolog
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.
folks who are very close when charity calls
The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.
a miserly couple devoid of social conscience
Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.
the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library
While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.
a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries
The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.
the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune
In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.
a stingy child, not given to sharing