reclose

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To shut something again after it has been opened.

   Grammar: Takes an object: reclose the lid; or no object: the door reclosed.

   Patterns

   • reclose something
   • something recloses

   Please reclose the container tightly after you take a cookie.

   The wound had to be reclosed with fresh stitches.

   The valve recloses automatically when the pressure drops.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitivebusiness

   To complete a business transaction, such as a house sale or loan, a second time after it was undone.

   Grammar: Often passive or intransitive in deals: the sale reclosed in May.

   Patterns

   • reclose on something

   The buyers planned to reclose on the property after fixing the paperwork error.

   The loan was reclosed under new terms.

   The deal reclosed once the missing signature arrived.

Word forms

Common combinations

reclose the lid

Reclose the lid or the flour will go stale.

reclose the incision

The surgeon had to reclose the incision.

reclose the circuit

The electrician will reclose the circuit after the repair.

reclose a sale

The agent hoped to reclose the sale quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

shut again

This is the plain everyday phrase, whereas reclose sounds technical or formal.

reseal

This applies to things sealed with glue or tape, while reclose can include doors or lids.

refasten

This suggests fixing with clips, buttons or similar fasteners, not just shutting.

Opposites

Word family

close verb

to shut

closure noun

the act of closing

reclosable adjective

able to be shut again

reclosing noun

the act of closing again

Commonly confused: reclose or disclose?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reclose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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