as in narrow escape
a barely successful escape from something undesirable
the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive
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Recent Examples of close call
Two Southwest Airlines flights had a close call on Saturday near Nashville International Airport as an aborted landing brought one plane into the direct path of another jet that was taking off.
—
Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Most of the close calls that happen every year involve small planes that don’t have those systems, but the Federal Aviation Administration couldn’t immediately provide a number for how many happen annually.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Most of the close calls that happen every year involve small planes that don’t have those systems, but the Fedearl Aviation Administration couldn’t immediately provide a number for how many happen annually.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Wednesday’s close call, American Airlines emphasized that ground safety procedures require all vehicles to yield to aircraft, particularly in active ramp and alleyway environments where visibility is often restricted.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close call
Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Most of the close calls that happen every year involve small planes that don’t have those systems, but the Federal Aviation Administration couldn’t immediately provide a number for how many happen annually.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Most of the close calls that happen every year involve small planes that don’t have those systems, but the Fedearl Aviation Administration couldn’t immediately provide a number for how many happen annually.
—ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Wednesday’s close call, American Airlines emphasized that ground safety procedures require all vehicles to yield to aircraft, particularly in active ramp and alleyway environments where visibility is often restricted.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for close call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close call
close shave
Noun
-
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
-
Speaking of a close shave, Cincinnati couldn't decide a winner between No 5.—
Rasputin Todd,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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