almost 1 of 2

adverb

ˈȯl-ˌmōst How to pronounce almost (audio)
Definition of almostnext
as in nearly
very close to but not completely we were almost finished with dinner when an unexpected visitor showed up there were almost enough seats for everybody on the bus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

almost

2 of 2

adjective

as in relative
being such only when compared to something else burdened with impossibly high expectations, the movie came to be regarded as an almost failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of almost
Adverb
Zendaya is known for almost exclusively wearing Christian Louboutin‘s soaring So Kate pumps, and more recently stepping out in the Parisian label’s Miss Z pump. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 The security officers at the towers, on the other hand, are almost all migrant workers from other provinces. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
That also means its almost time for clocks to fall back. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Orange County has paid more than $39 million worth of settlements in the almost year since the Airport fire broke out and destroyed more than 100 structures, according to county officials. — Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for almost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for almost
  1. nearly
  2. relative
  3. practically
  4. virtually
  5. fairly
Adverb
  • This also includes the largest American variant, the western mastiff, with a wingspan of nearly two feet, and the smallest, the thumb-sized, nickel-weighing western pipistrelle, also called the canyon bat.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a Facebook post with nearly 500 likes and 40 comments as of Friday afternoon, the Gagnons spoke about their experience establishing the brewery and its part in the local community.
    — John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of nearly
Adjective
  • Paramount brass resisted casting a relative unknown named Al Pacino, whose only previous starring film role was as a junkie in The Panic in Needle Park.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Even after selling the team 10 months ago, morphing the Lakers from a relative mom-and-pop shop to a massive corporation, the presence of the Buss family still couldn’t be missed.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of relative
Adverb
  • This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, in her relatively short career, practically every accomplishment of Eala’s comes with a historic superlative.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of practically
Adverb
  • Satellite imagery showed virtually nothing remaining of the post, which is a significant hub for trade and tourism.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The five-week assault at the beginning of the war wiped out Iran's limited air force, including its air defenses, and virtually all of its navy, aside from small speed boats.
    — Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of virtually
Adverb
  • All three countries will also need to create new regulatory regimes to make sure that Chinese firms operate fairly and do not continue to benefit from Beijing’s subsidies or from its discriminatory allocation of exports of essential inputs.
    — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The couple keeps their relationship fairly private, but Waggoner occasionally features Winter in posts online.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of fairly

Browse Nearby Words

almoners
almost
alms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Almost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/almost. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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