almost

1 of 2

adverb

: 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

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
Adverb
His incredible journey is worth waiting almost 20 years for. Jason Kersten, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2024 And those countries who share borders with Russia almost universally share the view that the only way to ensure Russia doesn’t expand its aggression is by making NATO so strong an attack would be unthinkable, even to President Vladimir Putin. Luke McGee, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 Such a move would almost certainly reduce the park’s operating costs, but would also increase the risk of environmental degradation, according to Nancy Ogonje, the executive director of the East African Wild Life Society. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024 The study noted, however, that Tesla purchasers almost invariably bought another Tesla. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024 Norah Jones on her surprising new album and the old song that’s almost ‘too sad’ to play After playing in the punk band P.S. Michael Tedder, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 There was a very moving account of his visit to a local monastery, taken almost verbatim from an article — only the name and location of the monastery were changed. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 News of Pittman's departure comes almost a month after it was revealed that Sara Ramirez, who starred as the nonbinary stand-up comic Che Diaz on the show, was also taking their final bow ahead of season 3. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024 Richland Pointe Village opened in 2021 and occupies almost 35 acres on the eastern shore of the lake. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Despite arguably kicking off the trend of internet shutdowns a decade ago with an almost year-long blackout in the western province of Xinjiang, China is not a frequent offender. James Griffiths, CNN, 9 Jan. 2020 West made his triumphant return to Twitter last Friday after an almost year-long hiatus. NBC News, 21 Apr. 2018 Kentucky's almost year-old $45 million facility has a barber shop like Oregon, plus ventilated lockers with phone charging stations and a dining area complete with a chef. Ron Higgins, NOLA.com, 20 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'almost.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near almost

Cite this Entry

“Almost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almost. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

almost

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

More from Merriam-Webster on almost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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