as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless
Synonyms & Similar Words
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variants
or hairsbreadth
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hairbreadth
Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Adjective
In the end, Cuellar and his corporate backers carried the day (one marked also by the Uvalde school massacre), albeit by a hairbreadth margin.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022
That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.
—Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2021
Nancy Pelosi will have a hairbreadth four-vote majority in the House with two seats still undecided.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 17 Dec. 2020
The hairbreadth outcome in the race belied its sweeping consequences.
—Author: Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Mar. 2018
Noun
Should the electoral officials’ math hold up, the hairbreadth victory is likely to provide only limited comfort to Mr. del Mazo’s party.
—Kirk Semple and Marina Franco, New York Times, 4 June 2017
The year closed with the hairbreadth victory of a law-and-order Presidential nominee whose Southern strategy of racial politicking remade the electoral map.
—Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairbreadth
Adjective
-
The Denver Nuggets trailed by 11 with about four minutes left to start the Western Conference semis but stormed back at Paycom Center for a narrow win — the Thunder won that series in seven games.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Ouellette won the 1,600 title (Martin was second) and another senior Oliver Guzy won the long jump (22 feet, 3 ¼ inches) was second in the 300 hurdles.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2025
-
Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nagashima maintained a close relationship with the Dodgers and the O’Malley family, particularly with Walter’s son Peter, according to Walter O’Malley’s website.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
-
Numerous outlets have already reported on how close Barca is to landing breakout 2024/2025 La Liga star Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which could complicate Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future as Hansi Flick’s first choice goalkeeper.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
O’Sullivan went to his ace to open the regional with his freshman jitters behind him.—
Jackson Castellano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 June 2025
-
He’s not exactly built to be an innings-eating ace.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
So the first step is to make such screenings common and expected for both children and their adult caregivers.—
Ty Schepis,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
-
Take steps to keep your financial records and personally identifying information secure.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
None of Chandler's DNA was found at the murder scene, nor were any fibers found from her clothing, or any of her hair.—
Ruth Chenetz,
CBS News,
31 May 2025
-
Even tucked in a cover, your duvet is exposed to particles of skin, dust, oil, sweat, pet hair, and more, requiring just as much attention in your cleaning routine as other bedding and linens.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
One of the victims was slashed in the neck, cops said.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
31 May 2025
-
Pass's rich tone arose from a combination of using a pick and playing closer to the guitar neck.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hairbreadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairbreadth. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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