26984 words

nearer

14 definitions • 31 examples
1
not far away in distance:

Examples:

Is there a restaurant near here?
I'd like to sit near a window, please.
Don't come too near me - you might catch my cold.
The hotel is near the airport.
Which bus stop is nearest (to) your house?
I was standing just near enough to hear what they were saying.
2
not far away in time:

Examples:

As the date of his operation drew near, he became more and more anxious.
UK We can decide which route to take nearer the time.
3
almost in a particular state, or condition:

Examples:

UK I was near (to) tears (= almost cried) at one point during the film.
4
not close in distance, time, amount, or quality:

Examples:

The house was nowhere near the beach.
5
almost:

Examples:

They're the same age or near enough.
6
not far away in distance, time, characteristics, or quality:

Examples:

Where's the nearest post office?
My pocket knife is the nearest thing (= the most similar thing) to a weapon that I have.
I couldn't get any cream cheese so I bought the nearest equivalent (= the most similar thing) that I could find.
7
Your near relatives are people who are closely related to you, such as your parents, brothers, or sisters.
8
at a time that is not far away:

Examples:

All our computer equipment will be replaced in the near future.
9
to get close to something in distance, time, or state:

Examples:

I'm pleased to say the project is nearing completion.
As the wedding day neared, I started to have second thoughts about getting married.
The captain switched on the seat belt sign as we neared the airport.
10
combines with adjectives and nouns to mean "almost":

Examples:

We had a near-disaster this morning in the car!
She was near-hysterical by the time I arrived there.
11
close to; not far away from in distance, time, or relationship:

Examples:

We live near the school.
She asked to sit nearer the front of the classroom.
It will probably be near midnight by the time we get home.
We couldn’t park anywhere near the theater.
12
not far away in distance, time, or relationship:

Examples:

in the near future
The nearest library is in the next town.
13
not far away in distance, time, or relationship:

Examples:

I wish we lived nearer.
I was standing near enough to hear what they were saying.
14
to come closer to something, or to approach:

Examples:

[ I ] As the big day nears, I’m starting to get nervous.
[ T ] The project is nearing completion.

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