close shaves

noun

plural of close shave
as in narrow escapes
a barely successful escape from something undesirable the passengers in the jeep had a close shave when a mine exploded just a few yards away

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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 close shaves Villa rely on its revenue to push their limits, so going another year on the outside will mean player sales, budget cuts and very, very close shaves with financial sanctions. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The Torreys are accustomed to, pun intended, close shaves. — Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close shaves
close calls
Noun
  • Allen played Toby Cavanaugh on Pretty Little Liars, who, despite multiple close calls, survived the entire series.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Already this year, hurricanes have intensified rapidly in the Pacific, and Hawaii has had close calls with several hurricanes that brought destructive rain and wind.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of close calls

Browse Nearby Words

close shave
close shaves
closes in
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Cite this Entry

“Close shaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20shaves. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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