Close
Close verb - To position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening.
Usage example: be sure to close the gate when you leave
Shut is a synonym for close in action topic. In some cases you can use "Shut" instead the word "Close" as a verb or an adjective, when it comes to topics like secure, obstruct, open. popular alternative
Shut
Shut verb - To position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening.
Usage example: please shut the door when you leave
Close is a synonym for shut in secure topic. You can use "Close" instead the word "Shut" as a verb or an adjective or a noun, if it concerns topics such as open. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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A human can hold a crocodile's jaws shut without much effort, because the jaw muscles that open crocodile jaws are much weaker than those that close them.
Source: Stock Animal Facts -
This conversation is the girls' not-so-subtle euphemism for saying "I like that we have our close relationship back," and "I'll never shut you out ever again." So, Love is an open gate, too.
Source: Disney / Frozen -
Darren describes trying to close his eyes, because his eyes open were creeping him out, but then opening them again because him with his eyes shut looked too much like he was dead.
Source: Dies Wide Open
Cite this Source
Shut and Close. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/close/shut
Close & Shut. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/close/shut>.
Shut or Close. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/close/shut.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "close" and "shut" have occurred on timeline