Synonyms for

Nearing

Verb / ˈnɪrɪŋ / Another word for nearing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

approaching or getting closer to something in distance or time

Synonyms & similar words

near comenear approach drawnear comeon drawclose goup approaching coming reaching advancing proceeding progressing

Synonyms by register

Formal

approaching advancing drawing closer

Informal

getting close coming up on the way

Literary

impending drawing nigh

Antonyms

departing leaving moving away receding retreating fleeing

Common collocations

  • nearing completion
  • nearing the end
  • nearing exhaustion
  • nearing a decision
  • nearing retirement
  • nearing collapse
  • nearing the deadline

Word family

verb near
adjective near
adverb nearly

Usage note

Often used with 'completion', 'end', or 'deadline' to indicate something is almost finished. Can also refer to physical proximity.

Example sentences

  1. The car is nearing the finish line.
  2. The sun is nearing the horizon.
  3. We are nearing the end of the book.
  4. The train is nearing the station.
  5. The airplane is nearing its destination.

Quotes

  • We are nearing midnight, and the window is dark.
  • The distance is nothing when one has a motive.
  • Nearing the end of the first week, I told my wife, 'You know, I'll probably never make movies again.'

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