Shut vs. Close — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 16, 2024
"Shut" emphasizes the action of securing or sealing, often with force, while "close" implies bringing together or covering an opening, typically in a more general sense.
Difference Between Shut and Close
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shut is commonly used to convey a sense of sealing off or securing an opening, often implying the use of force or finality, as in shutting a door with a strong push. On the other hand, close can refer to the general act of bringing two elements together to cover an opening, without necessarily implying force, such as closing a book gently.
While "shut" often carries a more urgent or forceful connotation, suggesting a need to secure something quickly or firmly, "close" is more neutral, describing the act of bringing to an end or completing a process, like closing a deal.
In some contexts, "shut" can have a metaphorical or figurative meaning, such as shutting someone out of a conversation, which implies exclusion or rejection. Conversely, "close" can be used in contexts that involve finalizing or concluding, beyond just physical actions, like closing a chapter in one's life.
The choice between "shut" and "close" can also be influenced by regional language preferences, with "shut" being more common in certain dialects or regions compared to "close," which is generally universally understood in the context of ending or covering something.
Despite their differences, "shut" and "close" can often be used interchangeably in everyday language, especially when referring to the action of making a door or window cease to be open. However, the nuance of each word might affect the perceived intention or tone behind the action.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Often implies force or urgency
More neutral, implies a gentle or regular action
Usage
Commonly used for doors, windows, and objects
Broadly used for physical and metaphorical contexts
Metaphorical Use
Can imply exclusion or ending something abruptly
Often used to imply finalization or conclusion beyond physical actions
Regional Preference
More common in certain dialects or regions
Widely understood and used universally
Interchangeability
Can sometimes be used interchangeably with "close" in physical contexts
Can often replace "shut" in contexts involving doors or windows
Compare with Definitions
Shut
Used to indicate securing or firmly closing something.
She shut the window to block out the noise.
Close
Implies the act of bringing parts together to cover an opening.
She closed the book after reading the last page.
Shut
Can be used metaphorically to describe exclusion.
Feeling left out, he felt they had shut him out of the conversation.
Close
Carries a more neutral or gentle implication.
Please close the door gently on your way out.
Shut
Often implies a certain level of force or finality.
He shut the door with a loud bang.
Close
Can indicate the end of a process or period.
The company closed the deal successfully.
Shut
Conveys a sense of urgency or immediate action.
In case of a fire, shut off the gas supply immediately.
Close
Applies to a wide range of actions, from physical to metaphorical.
He decided it was time to close that chapter of his life.
Shut
To move (a door or lid, for example) so as to block passage through an opening.
Close
Only a short distance away or apart in space or time
Her birthday and mine were close together
The hotel is close to the sea
Why don't we go straight to the shops, as we're so close?
Shut
To fasten with a lock, catch, or latch
Shut the cabinet.
Close
Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling
The family history of cancer in close relatives
Shut
To block entrance to or exit from; close
Shut a corridor.
Close
(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way
Pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
Shut
To confine in a closed space
Shut them in a cage.
Close
Uncomfortably humid or airless
It was very close in the dressing room
A close, hazy day
Shut
To exclude from a closed space
Shut the cats out of the house.
Close
Another term for high (sense 7 of the adjective)
Shut
To fold up or bring together the parts of
Shut the book.
Close
Very near to someone or something; with very little space between
He was holding her close
They stood close to the door
Shut
To cause to stop operating
Shut down a restaurant.
A school that was shut for the vacation.
Close
A residential street without through access
She lives at 12 Goodwood Close
Shut
To move or become moved so as to block passage; close
A door that shuts by itself.
Close
The end of an event or of a period of time or activity
The afternoon drew to a close
The seminar was brought to a close with a discussion of future trends
Shut
To stop operating, especially automatically
The electricity shuts off at midnight.
Close
The shutting of something, especially a door
The door jerked to a close behind them
Shut
The act or time of shutting.
Close
Move so as to cover an opening
She jumped on to the train just as the doors were closing
They had to close the window because of the insects
She closed the door quietly
I kept closing my eyes and nodding off
Shut
The line of connection between welded pieces of metal.
Close
Bring or come to an end
The concert closed with ‘Silent Night’
The members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
Shut
(transitive) To close, to stop from being open.
Please shut the door.
The light was so bright I had to shut my eyes.
Close
(of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time
A hoax call which closed the city's stations for 4 hours
The factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
Shut
(intransitive) To close, to stop being open.
If you wait too long, the automatic door will shut.
Close
Gradually get nearer to someone or something
He tried to walk faster, but each time the man closed up on him again
They plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
Shut
To close a business temporarily, or (of a business) to be closed.
The pharmacy is shut on Sunday.
Close
Being near in space or time. See Usage Note at redundancy.
Shut
(transitive) To confine in an enclosed area.
I shut the cat in the kitchen before going out.
Close
Being near in relationship
Close relatives.
Shut
(transitive) To catch or snag in the act of shutting something.
He's just gone and shut his finger in the door!
Close
Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate
Close friends.
Shut
To preclude; to exclude; to bar out.
Close
Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact
A close weave.
Shut
Closed; not open.
A shut door barred our way into the house.
Close
Being near the surface; short
A close haircut.
Shut
Synonym of close
Close
Being on the brink of
Close to tears.
Shut
The act or time of shutting; close.
The shut of a door
Close
Decided by a narrow margin; almost even
A close election.
Shut
A door or cover; a shutter.
Close
Faithful to the original
A close copy.
Shut
The line or place where two pieces of metal are welded together.
Close
Very attentive; rigorous; thorough
A close reading.
Close supervision.
Shut
A narrow alley or passage acting as a short cut through the buildings between two streets.
Close
Shut; closed.
Shut
To close so as to hinder ingress or egress; as, to shut a door or a gate; to shut one's eyes or mouth.
Close
Shut in; enclosed.
Shut
To forbid entrance into; to prohibit; to bar; as, to shut the ports of a country by a blockade.
Shall that be shut to man which to the beastIs open?
Close
Confining or narrow; crowded
Close quarters.
Shut
To preclude; to exclude; to bar out.
Close
Fitting tightly
Close garments.
Shut
To fold together; to close over, as the fingers; to close by bringing the parts together; as, to shut the hand; to shut a book.
Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
When the scene of life is shut up, the slave will be above his master if he has acted better.
Close
Warm and humid or stuffy
Close weather.
A close room.
Shut
To close itself; to become closed; as, the door shuts; it shuts hard.
Close
Confined to specific persons or groups
A close secret.
Shut
Closed or fastened; as, a shut door.
Close
Strictly confined or guarded
Kept under close custody.
Shut
Rid; clear; free; as, to get shut of a person.
Close
Secretive; reticent
Was close about her personal life.
Shut
Formed by complete closure of the mouth passage, and with the nose passage remaining closed; stopped, as are the mute consonants, p, t, k, b, d, and hard g.
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance; stingy
He is known to be close with his money.
Shut
The act or time of shutting; close; as, the shut of a door.
Just then returned at shut of evening flowers.
Close
Not easily acquired; scarce
Money was close.
Shut
A door or cover; a shutter.
Close
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue near the palate, as the ee in meet. Used of vowels.
Shut
The line or place where two pieces of metal are united by welding.
Close
Marked by more rather than less punctuation, especially commas.
Shut
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
Close
To move (a door, for example) so that an opening or passage is covered or obstructed; shut.
Shut
Become closed;
The windows closed with a loud bang
Close
To bar access to
Closed the road for repairs.
Shut
Prevent from entering; shut out;
The trees were shutting out all sunlight
This policy excludes people who have a criminal record from entering the country
Close
To fill or stop up
Closed the cracks with plaster.
Shut
Not open;
The door slammed shut
Close
To stop the operations of permanently or temporarily
Closed down the factory.
Shut
Used especially of mouth or eyes;
He sat quietly with closed eyes
His eyes were shut against the sunlight
Close
To make unavailable for use
Closed the area to development.
Closed the database to further changes.
Close
To bring to an end; terminate
Close a letter.
Close a bank account.
Close
To bring together all the elements or parts of
Management closed ranks and ostracized the troublemaker.
Close
To join or unite; bring into contact
Close a circuit.
Close
To draw or bind together the edges of
Close a wound.
Close
(Sports) To modify (one's stance), as in baseball or golf, by turning the body so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact with the ball.
Close
To complete the final details or negotiations on
Close a deal.
Close
(Archaic) To enclose on all sides.
Close
To become shut
The door closed quietly.
Close
To come to an end; finish
The book closes on a hopeful note.
Close
To reach an agreement; come to terms
We close on the house next week.
Close
To cease operation
The shop closes at six.
Close
To be priced or listed at a specified amount when trading ends
Stocks closed higher on Monday.
Close
To engage at close quarters
Closed with the enemy.
Close
To draw near
The orbiter closed with the space station in preparation for docking.
Close
To come together
My arms closed around the little child.
Close
(Baseball) To finish a game by protecting a lead. Used of relief pitchers.
Close
The act of closing.
Close
A conclusion; a finish
The meeting came to a close.
Close
(Music) The concluding part of a phrase or theme; a cadence.
Close
(klōs) An enclosed place, especially land surrounding or beside a cathedral or other building.
Close
(klōs) Chiefly British A narrow way or alley.
Close
(Archaic) A fight at close quarters.
Close
In a close position or manner; closely
Stayed close together.
Close
(physical) To remove a gap.
Close
To obstruct (an opening).
Close
To move so that an opening is closed.
Close the door behind you when you leave.
Jim was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.
Close
To make (e.g. a gap) smaller.
The runner in second place is closing the gap on the leader.
To close the ranks of an army
Close
To move to a position preventing fluid from flowing.
Close
To move to a position allowing electricity to flow.
Close
To grapple; to engage in close combat.
Close
To finish, to terminate.
Close
To put an end to; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to consummate.
Close the session;
To close a bargain;
To close a course of instruction
Close
To come to an end.
The debate closed at six o'clock.
Close
(marketing) To make a sale.
Close
To make the final outs, usually three, of a game.
He has closed the last two games for his team.
Close
To terminate an application, window, file or database connection, etc.
Close
To cancel or reverse (a trading position).
Close
To come or gather around; to enclose; to encompass; to confine.
Close
(surveying) To have a vector sum of 0; that is, to form a closed polygon.
Close
(intransitive) To do the tasks (putting things away, locking doors, etc.) required to prepare a store or other establishment to shut down for the night.
Whoever closed last night forgot to turn off the closet light.
Close
(Philippines) To turn off; to switch off.
Close
An end or conclusion.
We owe them our thanks for bringing the project to a successful close.
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
Close
(sales) The point at the end of a sales pitch when the consumer is asked to buy.
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Close
(music) The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
Close
(music) A double bar marking the end.
Close
The time when checkin staff will no longer accept passengers for a flight.
Close
An enclosed field.
Close
(chiefly British) A street that ends in a dead end.
Close
(Scotland) A very narrow alley between two buildings, often overhung by one of the buildings above the ground floor.
Close
(Scotland) The common staircase in a tenement.
Close
A cathedral close.
Close
(legal) The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not enclosed
Close
Closed, shut.
Close
Narrow; confined.
A close alley; close quarters
Close
At a little distance; near.
Is your house close?
Close
Intimate; well-loved.
He is a close friend.
Close
(legal) Of a corporation or other business entity, closely held.
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude.
Close
Hot, humid, with no wind.
Close
Articulated with the tongue body relatively close to the hard palate.
Close
Strictly confined; carefully guarded.
A close prisoner
Close
(obsolete) Out of the way of observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced.
A close contest
Close
Short.
To cut grass or hair close
Close
(archaic) Dense; solid; compact.
Close
(archaic) Concise; to the point.
Close reasoning
Close
(dated) Difficult to obtain.
Money is close.
Close
(dated) Parsimonious; stingy.
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact.
A close translation; a close copy
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict.
The patient was kept under close observation.
Close
Marked, evident.en
Close
Almost, but not quite (getting to an answer or goal); near
No, but you were close.
We were so close to winning!
Close
To stop, or fill up, as an opening; to shut; as, to close the eyes; to close a door.
Close
To bring together the parts of; to consolidate; as, to close the ranks of an army; - often used with up.
Close
To bring to an end or period; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to end; to consummate; as, to close a bargain; to close a course of instruction.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
Close
To come or gather around; to inclose; to encompass; to confine.
The depth closed me round about.
But now thou dost thyself immure and closeIn some one corner of a feeble heart.
Close
To come together; to unite or coalesce, as the parts of a wound, or parts separated.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?
Close
To end, terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six o'clock.
Close
To grapple; to engage in hand-to-hand fight.
They boldly closed in a hand-to-hand contest.
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
The doors of plank were; their close exquisite.
Close
Conclusion; cessation; ending; end.
His long and troubled life was drawing to a close.
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Close
The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
At every close she made, the attending throngReplied, and bore the burden of the song.
Close
An inclosed place; especially, a small field or piece of land surrounded by a wall, hedge, or fence of any kind; - specifically, the precinct of a cathedral or abbey.
Closes surrounded by the venerable abodes of deans and canons.
Close
A narrow passage leading from a street to a court, and the houses within.
Close
The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not inclosed.
Close
Shut fast; closed; tight; as, a close box.
From a close bower this dainty music flowed.
Close
Narrow; confined; as, a close alley; close quarters.
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude; - said of the air, weather, etc.
If the rooms be low-roofed, or full of windows and doors, the one maketh the air close, . . . and the other maketh it exceeding unequal.
Close
Strictly confined; carefully quarded; as, a close prisoner.
Close
Out of the way observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
"Her close intent."
Close
Disposed to keep secrets; secretive; reticent.
Close
Having the parts near each other; dense; solid; compact; as applied to bodies; viscous; tenacious; not volatile, as applied to liquids.
The golden globe being put into a press, . . . the water made itself way through the pores of that very close metal.
Close
Concise; to the point; as, close reasoning.
Close
Adjoining; near; either in space; time, or thought; - often followed by to.
Plant the spring crocuses close to a wall.
The thought of the Man of sorrows seemed a very close thing - not a faint hearsay.
Close
Short; as, to cut grass or hair close.
Close
Intimate; familiar; confidential.
League with you I seekAnd mutual amity, so strait, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with me.
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced; as, a close vote.
Close
Difficult to obtain; as, money is close.
Close
Parsimonious; stingy.
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact; strict; as, a close translation.
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict; not wandering; as, a close observer.
Close
Uttered with a relatively contracted opening of the mouth, as certain sounds of e and o in French, Italian, and German; - opposed to open.
Close
In a close manner.
Close
Secretly; darkly.
A wondrous vision which did close implyThe course of all her fortune and posterity.
Close
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Close
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Close
The concluding part of any performance
Close
Cease to operate or cause to cease operating;
The owners decided to move and to close the factory
My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
Close
Complete a business deal, negotiation, or an agreement;
We closed on the house on Friday
They closed the deal on the building
Close
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
Close
Bar access to;
Due to the accident, the road had to be closed for several hours
Close
Finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.);
The meeting was closed with a charge by the chairman of the board
Close
Draw near;
The probe closed with the space station
Close
Come to a close;
The concert closed with a nocturne by Chopin
Close
Become closed;
The windows closed with a loud bang
Close
Come together, as if in an embrace;
Her arms closed around her long lost relative
Close
Unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of;
Close the circuit
Close a wound
Close
Bring together all the elements or parts of;
Management closed ranks
Close
Engage at close quarters;
Close with the enemy
Close
Be priced or listed when trading stops;
The stock market closed high this Friday
My new stocks closed at $59 last night
Close
Cause a window or an application to disappear on a computer desktop
Close
Change one's body stance so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact
Close
Fill or stop up;
Can you close the cracks with caulking?
Close
Finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead;
The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning
Close
At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other;
Close to noon
How close are we to town?
A close formation of ships
Close
Close in relevance or relationship;
A close family
We are all...in close sympathy with...
Close kin
A close resemblance
Close
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
Close
Rigorously attentive; strict and thorough;
Close supervision
Paid close attention
A close study
Kept a close watch on expenditures
Close
Marked by fidelity to an original;
A close translation
A faithful copy of the portrait
A faithful rendering of the observed facts
Close
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Close
Crowded;
Close quarters
Close
Lacking fresh air;
A dusty airless attic
The dreadfully close atmosphere
Hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
Close
Of textiles;
A close weave
Smooth percale with a very tight weave
Close
Strictly confined or guarded;
Kept under close custody
Close
Confined to specific persons;
A close secret
Close
Fitting closely but comfortably;
A close fit
Close
Used of hair or haircuts;
A close military haircut
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
Close
Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information;
Although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
Close
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Close
In an attentive manner;
He remained close on his guard
Common Curiosities
Can "close" be used in emotional or relational contexts?
Yes, "close" can be used metaphorically in emotional or relational contexts, such as closing a chapter in one's life or closing the distance in a relationship.
Are there situations where "shut" and "close" are not interchangeable?
In metaphorical or figurative expressions, "shut" and "close" might not always be interchangeable due to their nuanced differences in meaning.
Is "shut" always negative or forceful?
While "shut" often carries a forceful connotation, it's not always negative and can simply indicate the need for a firm or secure closure.
Can "close" imply a soft or gentle action?
Yes, "close" often implies a softer or more gentle action compared to "shut," making it suitable for situations requiring delicacy.
Is it more appropriate to use "shut" or "close" for doors and windows?
Both "shut" and "close" can be appropriate for doors and windows, though "shut" might imply a more forceful action.
How do "shut" and "close" relate to the concept of security?
"Shut" often relates more directly to security, suggesting a tighter seal or a more definitive closure, whereas "close" simply implies bringing to an end or covering an opening.
In emergency situations, which term is more likely to be used?
"Shut" is more likely to be used in emergencies, especially when referring to actions like shutting off valves or doors, due to its connotation of immediacy and firmness.
How does the context affect the choice between "shut" and "close"?
The choice is influenced by the desired tone and context; "shut" is preferred for a firm or urgent action, while "close" is more neutral, suitable for both gentle actions and metaphorical endings.
Is there a difference in formality between "shut" and "close"?
Both terms are common in everyday language, but "close" might be slightly more formal or versatile, especially in written or professional contexts.
Can "close" be used in computing or technology contexts like "shut"?
While "shut" is commonly used in technology contexts (e.g., shut down a computer), "close" can also be used, especially for closing applications or windows, but with a less forceful connotation.
Is it grammatically correct to use "close" with abstract concepts, unlike "shut"?
Yes, "close" is often used with abstract concepts, such as closing a deal or closing a gap, which is less common with "shut."
Can "shut" be used in a technical or mechanical context?
Yes, "shut" is often used in technical or mechanical contexts, such as "shut off the engine" or "shut down a system," implying a complete cessation of operation.
How do "shut" and "close" interact with the politeness level in requests?
Requests using "close" might be perceived as more polite or gentle, while "shut" can sound more direct or abrupt, affecting the politeness level of the request.
Are there idiomatic expressions where "shut" cannot be replaced with "close"?
Yes, idiomatic expressions like "shut your mouth" or "shut-eye" (meaning sleep) are specific to "shut" and don't have direct equivalents with "close."
Does the use of "shut" versus "close" vary by English-speaking region?
Yes, regional preferences can influence usage. For example, "shut the light" might be more common in some areas than "turn off the light," showing regional variation.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
