abreast
adverb or adjective
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
Examples of abreast in a Sentence
keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends
Recent Examples on the Web
Beyond the basics, Young combs through reader feedback to stay abreast of new trends and tricks.
—
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024
In 1966, Metzger who was always reading scientific publications to keep abreast of advances, saw the cover of Scientific America that discussed liquid crystals which could be used in display devices.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The association offers extensive training for board members but also advice to school officials, including keeping superintendents abreast of changes in federal and state laws and regulations regarding collective bargaining and other issues Alaniz said.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Oct. 2024
The news reverberated also in the United States, where, according to Israeli reports, President Joe Biden was kept abreast of what Israeli leaders had learned.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abreast 
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024
In 1966, Metzger who was always reading scientific publications to keep abreast of advances, saw the cover of Scientific America that discussed liquid crystals which could be used in display devices.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The association offers extensive training for board members but also advice to school officials, including keeping superintendents abreast of changes in federal and state laws and regulations regarding collective bargaining and other issues Alaniz said.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Oct. 2024
The news reverberated also in the United States, where, according to Israeli reports, President Joe Biden was kept abreast of what Israeli leaders had learned.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abreast
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abreast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near abreast
Cite this Entry
“Abreast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abreast. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abreast
adverb or adjective1
: 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
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