Near.
Near.
A close (but not perfect) synonym would be companion, or guardian.
It is pretty much an exact synonym, yes.
A synonym of introduce is acquaint. An antonym of introduce is close.
Close by / At hand /
Close Together
close friend, familiar, intimate, crony, alter ego, bosom friend
"Disaster" is probably the closest synonym, but "distress" rather close.
close, terminate, climax, conclude
compact, packed, close, compressed
A close synonym is:deformed
Beside, near, close (to), in close proximity, about, encompassing, encircling, surrounding