close in on

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.

And unfortunately for the Gunners, missed opportunities and a lack of a ruthless finisher were the story as Manchester City beat them 2-1 to close in on the Premier League leaders.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 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

The walls of the tunnel began to close in on either side.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

close in on

Example Sentences

Related Words