Synonyms for nearness
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
1. Closeness
closeness, proximity, presence, contiguity, vicinity, familiarity, approximation, propinquity formal
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
The state of being near; closeness; intimacy.
Forms
- Plural
- nearnesses → closenesses, proximities, presences, contiguities…
Choose the right word
Nearness, neighborhood, and propinquity are commonly used of place; approximation, of mathematical calculations and abstract reasoning; we speak of approach to the shore, nearness to the town, approximation to the truth.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- presence I was put to shame in the presence of many people.
- proximity They want to build a hotel in proximity to the beach.
- closeness I don't fear the closeness between different peoples.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| nearness | steady | |
| presence | steady | |
| proximity | rising | |
| closeness | rising | |
| contiguity | steady | |
| imminence | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 8 letters
- presence2, vicinity4
- 9 letters
- proximity4, closeness2, imminence3
- 10 letters
- contiguity
- 11 letters
- familiarity5, propinquity
- 13 letters
- approximation5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (presence2 = 2 syllables).