nears

verb

present tense third-person singular of near
1
as in closes
to come near or nearer as the procession nears, you'll be able to take a better picture of the graduates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in approaches
to move closer to as we near the church, you'll be able to see the bas-relief sculptures better

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 nears The Rays' successful retention in Tampa Bay marks a significant part of Manfred's legacy as his tenure nears its end. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 As the legislative session nears its end, Newsom’s staff and lawmakers have been negotiating behind closed doors on a deal to limit utilities’ wildfire liabilities. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 As the iconic iPhone nears the 20th anniversary of its introduction, the new foldable design marks the biggest single change to the product’s look. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan has effectively shut down, while the Port of Shanghai’s Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals are suspending operations as Typhoon Saudel nears landfall in China. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 With Luis Aviles released, the family says it is focused on reuniting and preparing for Joshua’s expected return home as the USS Lincoln’s extended deployment nears its end. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Forensic psychologist Kirk Heilbrun retook the witness stand as this trial nears the end. — Nbc News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 Jurors heard from two of the prosecution’s expert witnesses Tuesday as Lindsay Clancy’s triple murder trial nears its end. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 As far as when the region will see some relief, Bonnette said temperatures will start to head downward as September nears. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nears
  1. closes
  2. approaches
  3. comes
  4. enters
Verb
  • Head coach Becky Hammon often closes with a small lineup, with either Gray or Jewell Loyd playing the 4 on defense.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On Wednesday local time, Micron will report its third-quarter financial results for fiscal year 2026 after the market closes.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of closes
Verb
  • As the stock approaches fair value and its potential gains become more limited, the investor could sell more calls to collect additional income.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In current, inflated prices, the outturn cost approaches £48–49 billion.
    — Interesting Engineering, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of approaches
Verb
  • There comes a point in every woman’s life when a mid-calf floral skirt starts looking suspiciously like the best thing in your wardrobe.
    — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, each figure comes with extra sets of hands and accessories related to each of the characters.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of comes
Verb
  • Yet even as his tenure enters its countdown, Duffy continues to lead a critical fight over the regulatory boundaries of derivatives markets.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon enters Pisces and your 1st House of Self, bringing your mood, body, instincts, and personal needs into focus.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of enters

Browse Nearby Words

nearness
nears
nearshore
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nears. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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