Needs to be close (5)

I believe the answer is:

dense

'close' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'needs to be' is the wordplay.
'to be' indicates anagramming the letters.
'needs' anagrammed gives 'DENSE'.

(Other definitions for dense that I've seen before include "Close-knit" , "Close knit" , "Tightly packed - stupid" , "Maybe bovine" , "Thick; stupid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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