NEARLY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nearly

adverb

ˈnir-lē

Definition of nearly

as in closely

to a close degree copy that design as nearly as you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

closely
near

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in almost

very close to but not completely I nearly fell down the stairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nearly And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 Well, business is still going strong nearly 10 months later as a second Sweet Stacks location has soft launched in Frisco. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 The nearly $82,000 purchase will replace obsolete devices that are currently being used in the visual arts department’s graphic design courses. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The marathon hearing marked the first time the brothers had been seen in public since July, after nearly six weeks held in separate cells at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nearly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nearly

Adverb

Warsh's remarks will be closely monitored for any indication of his views on how monetary policy should respond to persistently above-target inflation, or the impact of rising long-term borrowing costs.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit had been closely watched as one of the Justice Department's largest civil actions targeting an individual company over its alleged role in the opioid crisis.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of closely

Adverb

But the franchise — Oren Peli’s indie film was originally shot in 2006 for $15,000 and brought in almost $200 million — comes with its own young evergreen fan base.

— Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Extensive coastal flooding is almost guaranteed, scientists say.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of almost

Adverb

This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Yet, in her relatively short career, practically every accomplishment of Eala’s comes with a historic superlative.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of practically

Browse Nearby Words

nearing

nearly

near miss

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nearly. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nearly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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