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"near" is also used as a crossword clue. If that's what you saw, the answer is often by (2 letters).
Definitions
Close in distance, time, or relationship.
Word origin
From Middle English nere, ner, from Old English nēar (“nearer”, comparative of nēah (“nigh”), the superlative would become next), influenced by Old Norse nær (“near”), both originating from Proto-Germanic *nēhwiz (“nearer”), comparative of the adverb *nēhw (“near”), from the adjective *nēhwaz, ultimately from Pre-Proto-Germanic *h₂nḗḱwos, a lengthened-grade adjective derived from Proto-Indo-European *h₂neḱ- (“to reach”).
Used in a sentence
“I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.”
“Stay near at all times.”
“At the end of the line nearest the Arch, under a flary light, stood an old bearded man having the look on his face of a kindly but somewhat irritated moo-cow.”
Source: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0
Used as a crossword answer4 curated clues
01“Close at hand”4 letters
02“Close by”4 letters
03“Close in distance”4 letters
04“Close in space”4 letters
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