almost

1 of 2

adverb

al·​most ˈȯl-ˌmōst How to pronounce almost (audio) ȯl-ˈmōst How to pronounce almost (audio)
Synonyms of almost
: very nearly but not exactly or entirely
We're almost there.
The work is almost done.

almost

2 of 2

adjective

: very near but not quite
an almost failure

Synonyms of almost

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Adverb

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of almost in a Sentence

Adverb Analysts predict that rates will rise by almost 40 percent. Goats will eat almost anything. Adjective burdened with impossibly high expectations, the movie came to be regarded as an almost failure
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
Each photograph’s staging is meticulous, and there is an almost exhaustive attempt to interweave the agent’s narratives with the visual language of each image. — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 There’s something almost poetic about playing this particular show in that particular room. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Home of a fur seal trade leading to an almost extinction of seals, a whaling station, and then many volcanic eruptions leading to the destruction of scientific stations, this island looks like it is cursed. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 That also means its almost time for clocks to fall back. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for almost

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English ealmǣst, from eall + mǣst most

Adjective

derivative of almost entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of almost was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing almost

Rhymes for almost

See All Rhymes for almost

Browse Nearby Words

Almoravid
almost
almost a certainty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Almost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almost. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

almost

adverb
al·​most
ˈȯl-ˌmōst, 
ȯl-ˈmōst
: only a little less than : nearly
we're almost finished
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