closer

Adverb

• (comparative of `near' or `close') within a shorter distance
  • come closer, my dear!
    
  • they drew nearer
    
  • getting nearer to the true explanation
    

Noun

• (baseball) a relief pitcher who can protect a lead in the last inning or two of the game

• a person who closes something
  • whoever is the closer has to turn out the lights and lock up
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  nearer , nigher , finisher