The term 'close companion' can be described by three words: PAL (3 letters), CRONY (5 letters), and soulmate (8 letters). A PAL is a close friend, someone you can rely on and trust. A CRONY is a close associate or companion, often with a hint of being a bit mischievous. A soulmate is a person with whom one has a strong connection, often a romantic one. All three words describe a close companion, but the level of closeness and type of relationship varies.