closer

1 of 2

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

closer

2 of 2

comparative of close entry 2

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.
Noun
Test Score also rallied from behind but had a little smoother journey under Juan Hernandez and outdid the other closers. — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 If both top closers have to do more or less the same thing, namely, stay in contention, arguably what has to happen here for either to hit the wire first, then the next question is, who wins in a stretch duel. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 And Mason Miller, one of the best closers in baseball, allowed a run in a scoreless game to give the Pirates a win. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Despite the big upturns for the closers, most Broadway productions saw at least some dips last week, perhaps due to the competition with the three departing shows, or maybe just some summer wilting. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for closer

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on closer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for closer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about closer

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