When it comes to expressing proximity, there are various synonyms for the phrase "be close to." If you want to convey that something is nearby or adjacent to something else, you can use words like "near," "next to," "beside," or "adjacent." If you want to indicate that something is almost touching or within reach, you can use words like "close," "proximate," "contiguous," or "juxtaposed." Alternatively, if you want to suggest that something is closely related or connected, you can use words like "intimate," "familiar," or "linked." Finally, if you want to suggest emotional proximity, you can use words like "bonded," "attached," or "connected".