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VERB
surround
Synonyms
STRONGEST
besiege circle envelop hem in inundate ring
STRONG
beleaguer beset blockade border bound circumscribe circumvent compass confine edge enclave encompass environ fringe gird girdle invest limit loop margin outline rim round skirt verge
WEAK
box in close around close in fence in go around lay siege to shut in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free
STRONG
allow center let go lose permit release

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.

See Examples For:

The Reds put in a commanding performance to beat Marseille 3-0 and close in on the Champions League last 16 in midweek.

From Barron's ● Jan. 24, 2026

Det Insp Coles said thanks to the work of his colleagues running down leads over the weekend, the net had begun to close in on Rehman by Monday morning.

From BBC ● Dec. 28, 2025

The Old Firm duo can now close in on the leaders later on Saturday.

From Barron's ● Dec. 27, 2025

When they close in on a target, the bats unleash rapid bursts of short calls, signaling the final stage of attack.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2025

We watch as the Colts hike the ball and our defensive linemen close in on the quarterback.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

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