close game
Narrow margin competition
A close game is a contest where the outcome remains uncertain until near the end, with competitors separated by a narrow margin.
The term applies across sports and other competitive contexts: It was a close game until the final inning.
A close game typically implies tension and excitement for spectators.
- tightFirmly stretched or fitting
- nail-biterSuspensefully close competition
- overtimeWork beyond scheduled hours
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
squeaker · tense · dramatic · clutch · back and forth · comeback · rivalry · intense · sweaty · edge-of-seat · deadlock · showdown · pressure · crunch-time · final stretch · upset · heartbreaker · margin of error
- nailbitersthriller, cliffhanger, squeaker, buzzer-beater, photo finish
- narrow marginsphoto finish, squeaker, cliff-hanger, razor thin, neck and neck
- close callsnear miss, narrow escape, nick of time, skin of teeth, hair's breadth
- match resultswin, defeat, draw, tie, victory
- low-scoring gamespitching duel, shutout, nil-nil
- sportsmanshipfairness, fair play, sportsmanship, respect, integrity