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Close vs. Shut

Close

/kləʊz/

To shut or block off an opening or passage; to bring to an end.

Examples:

Closing his notebook, Kemp rose to his feet.And doors slammed or opened and closed.Hordes of beggar gangs and Nightlings pile in closer.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Shut

/ʃʌt/

To close something or prevent access to a place.

Examples:

She went out, shutting the door;The last door shuts behind them.The door slammed shut.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

Both words can mean the act of bringing something together to prevent access or view, like doors or lids.
Close can also mean near in space, time, or relationship.
Shut often implies a more forceful or complete action than close, like when you shut a door with authority.
Think of close as being more gentle, while shut has a sense of finality or urgency.
Shut can sometimes be used in expressions like shut down meaning complete stop or end.

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