closer
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for closer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Nearer than before; comparative of "close."
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use closer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English closere, formed from close plus the agent suffix -er.
Full origin of closer →Frequently asked questions
What does “closer” mean?
The word “closer” means nearer than before; comparative of "close.". In plain terms, nearer in distance — or a person/thing that finishes something off, from sales pitches to baseball games.
How do you pronounce “closer”?
“Closer” is pronounced KLOH-suh (/ˈkloʊ.sɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “closer” in a sentence?
Here is “closer” used in a sentence: “Move your chair a little closer to the table.”
What part of speech is “closer”?
Depending on how it is used, “closer” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “closer” come from?
The word “closer” comes from Middle English. From Middle English closere, formed from close plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “closer” a common word?
“Closer” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “closer” have?
“Closer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: nearer than before; comparative of "close.".
What is the difference between 'closer' and 'nearer'?
Both are comparatives meaning a shorter distance away than before, and in most sentences they are interchangeable — 'move closer' and 'move nearer' mean the same thing. 'Closer' is slightly more common in everyday American English, while 'nearer' can sound a touch more formal or literary.
Is 'closer' an adverb or a noun?
It can be both. As the comparative of 'close', it is an adverb or adjective meaning nearer — 'step closer'. Spelled the same but from a different sense, 'closer' is also a noun for a person or thing that closes something, such as a strong finish or a relief pitcher in baseball.
What is the opposite of 'closer'?
The opposite is 'farther' or 'further', meaning at a greater distance than before. 'Farther' is usually preferred for physical distance you can measure, while 'further' also covers figurative distance and degree. So the reverse of 'moving closer' is 'moving farther' or 'further away'.