Hairbreadth — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈher-ˌbretth/ hair·breadth

Meaning & Definition of Hairbreadth

Hairbreadth (noun)

  1. a very small distance or margin

Hairbreadth (adjective)

  1. very narrow, close

Hairbreadth (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. showing little difference in the standing of the competitors

    "a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless"

    similar: close, down-to-the-wire, narrow, neck and neck, nip and tuck, tight
    related: crowded

Hairbreadth (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a very small distance or degree

    "just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth"

    similar: ace, hair, hairline, hop, skip, and jump, inch, neck, shouting distance, step, stone's throw
    related: bit, crumb, dab, iota, jot, minim, mite, particle, smidgen, trace, trifle
    opposite: country mile, long haul, mile
    near: infinity, light-year

Related Entry: Hairbreadth escape (phrase)

Hairbreadth escape is a different word from Hairbreadth. The synonyms below are for hairbreadth escape, not for hairbreadth.

  1. a barely successful escape from something undesirable

    "The surfer made a hairbreadth escape from the shark."

    similar: close call, close shave, near miss, narrow escape, near escape
    related: squeaker
    near: misfire

Related Entry: Hairbreadth escapes (phrase)

Hairbreadth escapes is a different word from Hairbreadth. The synonyms below are for hairbreadth escapes, not for hairbreadth.

  1. a barely successful escape from something undesirable

    "The surfer made a hairbreadth escape from the shark."

    similar: close calls, close shaves, near misses, narrow escapes, near escapes
    related: squeakers
    near: misfires

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hairbreadth

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hairbreadth:

close, down-to-the-wire, narrow, neck and neck, nip and tuck, tight, ace, hair, hairline, hop, skip, and jump, inch, neck, shouting distance, step, stone's throw

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hairbreadth

Words with the opposite meaning of Hairbreadth:

country mile, long haul, mile

Related Words for Hairbreadth

crowded, bit, crumb, dab, iota, jot, minim, mite, particle, smidgen, trace, trifle

Near Antonyms of Hairbreadth

infinity, light-year

Origin & Etymology of Hairbreadth

First known use: 1561

Frequently Asked Questions about Hairbreadth

What does "Hairbreadth" mean?

"Hairbreadth" means a very small distance or margin. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a very small distance or margin. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hairbreadth"?

Other words for "Hairbreadth" include close, down-to-the-wire, narrow, neck and neck, nip and tuck, tight, ace and hair. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hairbreadth" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hairbreadth"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hairbreadth". Common alternatives include close, down-to-the-wire, narrow, neck and neck, nip and tuck, tight, ace, hair, hairline and hop, skip, and jump.

What is the opposite of "Hairbreadth"?

Antonyms of "Hairbreadth" include country mile, long haul and mile. Near antonyms include infinity and light-year.

How do you use "Hairbreadth" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hairbreadth" in a sentence: "a hairbreadth victory, but a victory nevertheless"; "just missed the bull's-eye by a hairbreadth".

Is "Hairbreadth" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hairbreadth" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Hairbreadth"?

"Hairbreadth" is pronounced /ˈher-ˌbretth/ and divided into syllables as hair·breadth.

What is the origin of the word "Hairbreadth"?

First known use: 1561.