near
13 synonyms and 3 antonyms for near, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Physically close to something or someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Antonyms
How to use near
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English nēar, originally the comparative of "nigh" ("close"). Over time "near" took over as the plain adjective, while "nigh" became old-fashioned.
Full origin of near →Frequently asked questions
What does “near” mean?
The word “near” means physically close to something or someone. In plain terms, close by in distance, time, or relationship — not far off.
How do you pronounce “near”?
“Near” is pronounced neer (/nɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “near” in a sentence?
Here is “near” used in a sentence: “The bus stop is near the pharmacy.”
What is another word for “near”?
Words with a similar meaning to “near” include around the corner, citerior, close, close by, immediate and nearby.
What is the opposite of “near”?
The opposite of “near” — its antonyms — are off, distant and far from.
What part of speech is “near”?
Depending on how it is used, “near” can be an adjective, an adverb and a preposition.
Where does the word “near” come from?
The word “near” comes from Old English. From Old English nēar, originally the comparative of "nigh" ("close"). Over time "near" took over as the plain adjective, while "nigh" became old-fashioned.
Is “near” a common word?
“Near” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "near" and "close"?
They are largely interchangeable when describing distance — "near the station" and "close to the station" mean the same. "Close" can suggest a slightly smaller gap and is also used for relationships ("a close friend"), where "near" would not fit. For plain physical distance, either word works well.
What is the opposite of "near"?
The opposite is "far" or "distant," describing something a long way off. Related terms include "remote" and "faraway." Where near means only a short distance away, its opposites stress a large gap in space — and sometimes in time, as in "the distant future" versus "the near future."
What is the difference between "near" and "nearby"?
"Near" usually needs an object — you are near something — as in "near the door." "Nearby" stands alone to mean close at hand, as in "a shop nearby" or "they live nearby." Both describe short distances, but "nearby" does not require you to say near to what.