Definitions

nearly

[neer-lee] / ˈnɪər li /

ADVERB

almost

Synonyms

STRONGEST

approximately practically roughly virtually

STRONG

about closely most well-nigh

WEAK

all but approaching as good as circa close but no cigar give or take a little in effect in essence in substance in the ballpark in the neighborhood just about more or less much nearabout not quite pretty near round roundly some somewhere upwards of within a little

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nearly a mile of Wilshire will close for the event.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

Nearly 2.28 million candidates wrote the exam on 3 May at more than 5,000 centres across India.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Nearly 16,000 French police, gendarmes, troops, firefighters and border guards will be deployed, using boats, motorcycles and drones, alongside mounted police and dog-handling units, France's Haute-Savoie regional prefecture said.

From Barron's • Jun. 14, 2026

Nearly half of the participants submitted examples of parrots saying names.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

Nearly every object in the nursery seemed essential to bring along, and she had the children’s comfort to consider as well as her own.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

nearly

Example Sentences

Related Words