Although in many cases the two can be exchanged freely, *closure* represents a greater level of finality and significance than *closing*.

The *closure* of a store or restaurant indicates an end to its existence as a business entity. *Closing* might mean the same, but is commonly used simply to mark the end of the daily business cycle.

*Closure* has the following several further meanings not represented by *closing*:

- The emotional state of satisfaction from certain adverse circumstances having ended and no longer causing stress or discomfort.
- Something that is able to be closed, though it is normally open. An example is a pocket with a zipper. This usage is less common.
- Various meanings  in mathematics and other technical fields.