closest Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. adjective at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
   close.
   
   • close to noon
   • how close are we to town?
   • a close formation of ships
2. adjective close in relevance or relationship
   close.
   
   • a close family
   • we are all...in close sympathy with...
   • close kin
   • a close resemblance
3. adjective not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
   close; near; nigh.
   
   • near neighbors
   • in the near future
   • they are near equals
   • his nearest approach to success
   • a very near thing
   • a near hit by the bomb
   • she was near tears
   • she was close to tears
   • had a close call
4. adjective satellite rigorously attentive; strict and thorough
   close.
   
   • close supervision
   • paid close attention
   • a close study
   • kept a close watch on expenditures
5. adjective satellite marked by fidelity to an original
   close; faithful.
   
   • a close translation
   • a faithful copy of the portrait
   • a faithful rendering of the observed facts
6. adjective satellite (of a contest or contestants) evenly matched
   close; tight.
   
   • a close contest
   • a close election
   • a tight game
7. adjective satellite crowded
   close; confining.
   
   • close quarters
8. adjective satellite lacking fresh air
   airless; close; unaired; stuffy.
   
   • a dusty airless attic
   • the dreadfully close atmosphere
   • hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
9. adjective satellite of textiles
   close; tight.
   
   • a close weave
   • smooth percale with a very tight weave
10. adjective satellite strictly confined or guarded
    close.
    
    • kept under close custody
11. adjective satellite confined to specific persons
    close.
    
    • a close secret
12. adjective satellite fitting closely but comfortably
    close; snug; close-fitting.
    
    • a close fit
13. adjective satellite used of hair or haircuts
    close.
    
    • a close military haircut
14. adjective satellite giving or spending with reluctance
    close; near; skinny; cheeseparing; penny-pinching.
    
    • our cheeseparing administration
    • very close (or near) with his money
    • a penny-pinching miserly old man
15. adjective satellite inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
    close; tightlipped; closelipped; closemouthed; secretive.
    
    • although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
16. adverb (superlative of `near' or `close') within the shortest distance
    nearest; nighest.
    
    • that was the time he came nearest to death

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