nigh in WordNet English dictionary

1. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
   "the job is (just) about done"; "the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"; "we're almost finished"; "the car all but ran her down"; "he nearly fainted"; "talked for nigh onto 2 hours"; "the recording is well-nigh perfect"; "virtually all the parties signed the contract"; "I was near exhausted by the run"; "most everyone agrees"
   about  almost  most  nearly  near  nigh  virtually  well-nigh  about  almost  most  nearly  near  nigh  virtually  well-nigh 
   
2. 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"
   near  nigh  close  near  nigh  close 
   

1. 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"
   near  close  nigh 
   
2. being on the left side
   "the near or nigh horse is the one on the left"; "the animal's left side is its near or nigh side"
   near  nigh