One way
In C1, normal ENTER:
=INDEX(B$1:B$3,MATCH(TRUE,INDEX(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($B $1:$B$3,A1)),),0))
Copy down. Adapt the range: B$1:B$3 to suit
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Max
Singapore
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xdemechanik
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"David P." wrote:
I need a formula to output in column C the closest match in column B from
column A:

Column A Coumn B Column C
"I ate apples" "Orange" Formula to output "Apple" as a
closest match
"I ate oranges" "Pear"
"I ate pears" "Apple"

I know this is probably elementary but thank you for the help.