1. (comparative of ‘near’ or ‘close’) within a shorter distance
   "they drew nearer"; "getting nearer to the true explanation";
   - nigher [archaic], closer

1. Not far distant in time, space, degree or circumstances
   "near neighbours"; "in the near future"; "they are near equals"; "his nearest approach to success"; "a very near thing"; "a near hit by the bomb"; "she was near tears";
   - close, nigh
    
2. With or in a close or intimate relationship
   "my sisters and brothers are near and dear";
   - dear, good
    
3. Very close in resemblance
   "a near likeness";
   - approximate
    
4. Closely resembling the genuine article
   "near beer"; "a dress of near satin"
    
5. Being on the left side
   "the near or nigh horse is the one on the left"; "the animal's left side is its near or nigh side";
   - nigh
    
6. Giving or spending with reluctance
   "very near with his money";
   - cheeseparing, close, penny-pinching, skinny

See also: adjacent, artificial, close, close by, distance, hot [informal], left, nearby, stingy [informal], ungenerous, unreal, warm [informal]

Encyclopedia: Nearer, My God, to Thee