Skip to content

Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Close” — 9 Other Ways to Say It

To shut or move something so it is no longer open.

IPA: /kloʊz/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: verb

Meanings of Close — Pick the Sense You Need

Close has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a verb

    To shut or move something so it is no longer open.

  2. Meaning #2 as a adjective

    Situated nearby with little distance between.

  3. Meaning #3 as a adjective

    Having a deep, affectionate relationship with someone.

How to Pronounce Close

IPA: /kloʊz/ Stress: O

Stress on first syllable; vowel is long /oʊ/ like in 'go'.

Full pronunciation guide for close →

3 Synonyms for Close (Meaning #1 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use close as a verb. Meaning: To shut or move something so it is no longer open.

shut

/ʃʌt/
verb A1

To close something by pushing or moving it so nothing can enter.

Example: Please shut the door quietly.

lock

/lɑːk/
noun A1

A device with a key that keeps a door or container closed so no one can open it without permission.

Example: Remember to lock the front door before you leave the house.

3 Synonyms for Close (Meaning #2 — as a adjective)

These synonyms work when you use close as a adjective. Meaning: Situated nearby with little distance between.

near

/nɪr/
prep A1

Close to something; not far away.

Example: The school is near my house.

nearby

/ˈnɪrbaɪ/
adj A2

Located close to something; at a short distance.

Example: There is a nearby park where children play.

3 Synonyms for Close (Meaning #3 — as a adjective)

These synonyms work when you use close as a adjective. Meaning: Having a deep, affectionate relationship with someone.

Smart Synonyms for Close — When to Use Each

shut

for general closing of doors or windows

seal

when making something airtight or permanently closed

Antonyms of Close — Opposite Words

How to Use Close and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Please close the door when you leave. A1
  • She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A1
  • The shop closes at nine o'clock every evening. A2
  • The supermarket is close to my house. A2
  • They sat close together on the bench. A2

Common Word Choice Mistakes with Close

Not natural: Close the door please.

Better: Could you close the door please?

Use polite forms when making requests; direct imperatives sound harsh in formal contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Close

What is another word for "close"?

Common synonyms for "close" include: shut, seal, lock, near, adjacent.

What can I say instead of "close"?

Try one of these alternatives: shut, seal, lock, near, adjacent. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "close" formal or informal?

"close" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "close" instead of "shut"?

Use "close" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "shut" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "close"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "close" include: open, unlock, far, distant, remote.

Explore “Close” in Other Tools