close; to a point or place not far away

Come near so I won't have to shout.

at, within, or to a short distance.

close in time

The New Year draws near.

close in relation; closely with respect to connection, similarity, intimacy, etc. (often used in combination)

a near-standing position.

all but; almost; nearly

a period of near 30 years.

Nautical . close to the wind.

Archaic . in a thrifty or stingy manner.

being close by; not distant

the near fields.

being the lesser in distance

the near side.

short or direct

the near road.

close in time

the near future.

closely related or connected

our nearest relatives.

close to an original

a near translation.

closely affecting one's interests or feelings

a matter of near consequence to one.

intimate or familiar

a near friend.

narrow or close

a near escape.

thrifty or stingy

near with one's pocketbook.

(of two draft animals hitched together) being on the driver's left (as opposed to off )

The near horse is going lame.

at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from or of

regions near the equator.

close to in time

near the beginning of the year.

close to a condition or state

He is near death.

to come or draw near; approach

The boat neared the dock. Storm clouds neared.

near at hand

in the immediate vicinity

There is a shopping area near at hand.

in the near future; soon

The departure is near at hand.

noun

coming , convergence , imminence , adjacency , approxi-mateness intimacy , approximation , closeness , contiguity , familiarity , propinquity , proximity