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Definition of narrownext
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as in close
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors a narrow gubernatorial contest, the outcome of which may depend upon a handful of votes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in parochial
unwilling to grant other people social rights or to accept other viewpoints tried to convince the narrow members of her family that there are many paths to a successful career that don't involve getting a university degree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

narrow

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noun

narrow

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verb

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 narrow
Adjective
Our infants have an exceptionally large head for their body size and yet have to squeeze through a very narrow pelvis. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 The narrow waterway typically handles around 20% of the world's oil traffic. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 June 2026
Noun
Many famed surf spots to the south — like Doheny, San Clemente and San Onofre — also have seen the beach narrow precipitously. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 Dutch parliamentary election tests ruling far-right party Dutch voters cast ballots today in a parliamentary election in which a far-right party that led opinion polls for months has seen its advantage narrow into a three-horse race. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Authorities say thousands remain missing, as the critical window to find survivors continues to narrow. Fernando Narro Roman, NPR, 28 June 2026 In a moment when too many voices are attempting to narrow who counts as part of Florida’s story, Local 10 widened the lens. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for narrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrow
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
  • Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
  • People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
    Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Old buildings and infrastructure, limited uptake of air conditioning and little acclimatization to those highs mean European populations are less equipped to cope with such temperatures than other parts of the world.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • Beyond the limited number of residences, a secure motor court ensures discretion for arrivals and departures.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • They are hired hands and stewards of other people’s capital, with no desire to becoming embroiled in internecine squabbles between clashing advocates, parochial activists, and plain opportunists latching on to the moment.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • In the most parochial place that ever was or ever will be, authenticity functions as a means of psychic gatekeeping, and someone who doesn’t speak the lingua Francona isn’t someone who’s worth listening to when the game’s on.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • All were part of the same Tequesta capital that extended along both banks of the river to the bay, Carr and Wheeler say.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
  • Along the bay stood a long, busy waterfront, lined with warehouses, shops and trading houses.
    R. Grant Gilmore III, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Vucic has gradually tightened his grip on power since his populist party took over the Serbian government 14 years ago.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The roots of this position lie in the energy crisis of the 1970s, which prompted most of Europe to tighten its codes so that buildings would be more efficient.
    Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • On the Fourth of July, New York Harbor will fill with white canvas and slender hulls.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
  • This is a comfortable, sleek set of ankle weight cuffs, ideal for those with smaller, more slender ankles.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Narrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrow. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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