Search Dictionary
Definition of nearby

nearby

/ˌnɪrˈbaɪ/
near · by
JUMP TO:

nearby Lexical Profile

nearby Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Located a short distance away; not far off.

Example

"We decided to grab lunch at a nearby cafe before heading back to the office."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nearby
Antonyms
View all antonyms for nearby

• adverb

1

At or to a short distance away; close at hand.

Example

"She parked her car nearby and walked the rest of the way to the library."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nearby
Antonyms
View all antonyms for nearby

• preposition

1

Close to; near in position or location.

Example

"They rented a small cottage nearby the old lighthouse."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nearby
Antonyms
View all antonyms for nearby

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal contexts, 'nearby' is widely used as an adjective and an adverb, whereas its use as a preposition (e.g., 'nearby the station') is sometimes discouraged in favor of 'near'.

• Rhymes for nearby

• Nearby Words

neanderthal
neapolitan
near
nearby
nearish
nearly
nearness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'near' (from Old English 'near', the comparative of 'neah' meaning 'nigh') and 'by' (from Old English 'bi', meaning 'near' or 'beside').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nearby. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nearby
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.