close call

[klohs] / kloʊs /

NOUN

narrow escape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cliffhanger

WEAK

close shave close squeeze close thing hairbreadth escape heart stopper narrow escape narrow squeak near go near miss near squeak near thing photofinish squeaker tight squeeze white-knuckler

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.

The extra income could turn free-cash-flow positive for the first time in years, but it will be a close call now that fuel prices have spiked.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

But it doesn’t look like a close call right now.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Another blinder of a start on lap one and great wheel to wheel battling throughout, with some quite close call action with Hamilton.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

There was a close call at Newark Liberty International Airport last week, when an Alaska Air plane flew over a FedEx freighter when both were attempting to land on crossing runways at the same time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“It was a close call, though. Thank goodness Peeta had the wherewithal to warn us.”

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

close call

Example Sentences

Related Words