abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

1

: beside one another in line

columns of men five abreast

with seats two abreast on each side of the aisle

They drew abreast of [=alongside of] each other.

2

: up to a particular standard or level especially of knowledge of recent developments

tries to keep abreast of [=to stay informed about] the news

Synonyms

• acquainted
• au courant
• conversant
• familiar
• informed
• knowledgeable
• up
• up-to-date
• versed
• well-informed

Examples of abreast in a Sentence

keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends

Recent Examples on the Web

Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business. —Bysharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 June 2024

Institutions must stay abreast of regulatory developments to ensure compliance. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 12 June 2024

Thank you, Mom. Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 10 May 2024

The company plans for its shares to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ZK. Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business. —Michael Hytha, Fortune, 4 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abrest, from a- a- entry 1 + brest breast entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing abreast

• abreast of
• keep abreast of

Kids Definition

abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

1

: side by side with bodies in line

lined up three abreast

2

: up to a standard or level especially of knowledge

keep abreast of the times