past 1 of 3

as in history
the events or experience of former times we spent a pleasant evening recalling the past together

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

past

2 of 3

adjective

past

3 of 3

preposition

1
as in over
on or to the farther side of I drive past the school every day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order it's ten minutes past six o'clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of past
Noun
That leaves more inexperienced officers or those with troubled pasts to staff many of the state’s prisons. Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 Sources: National Weather Service Chicago; Tribune archives and reporting Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, follow Today in Chicago History, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Where has the medallion been discovered in past years? Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025 To view the list of past winners,visit the Mega Millions website. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
Preposition
Banks said the principals union is directing its members to not let anyone past a school’s check point without a warrant. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 Sir Patrick and the Chiefs are after an historic three-peat but must get past a Buffalo squad starving for its first ever Super Bowl win. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for past 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • With most of the top names off the board, the Blue Jays could opt for an affordable veteran with a history of success over a younger star like Jack Flaherty.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • With two All-Star starters leading the way, the Knicks have a foundation unlike any in recent history.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Monday’s event featured former Jets, some of them returning to the team’s facility for the first time in decades, there to see Aaron Glenn.
    Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Just a week before leaving office, former President Joe Biden doubled down on export restrictions on AI computer chips to prevent rivals like China from accessing the advanced technology.
    David Goldman, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Preposition
  • Now, after weeks of lawyerly wrangling over the semantics of church bylaws, members of the Riverside congregation will vote on a resolution to keep Weekday open for at least one more year and to determine a long-term plan for the school.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
  • These mortgages are a requirement to maintain ownership over a home.
    Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 18 Jan. 2025
Preposition
  • Alonso, who hit 53 home runs as a rookie for the New York Mets, seems destined to sign elsewhere after reportedly rejecting New York's offer of a three-year contract in the $68-70 million range.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Senators will move to Hegseth on Thursday after voting to confirm former Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) to serve as CIA director earlier in the day.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Women and adults younger than 45 are more likely than men and older adults to say that moderate drinking is bad for health, as were Democrats and independents.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Listeriosis is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to newborns, those aged 65 or older, those who are pregnant, and those with weak immune systems, according to the and pregnant people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Preposition
  • This might seem like an easy question, but some of us might have items floating around that no longer work (like a musical jewelry box) that hold sentimental value far beyond its function.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Artisanal producers often age their cognacs well beyond the minimum legal requirements.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The new movie is described as a continuation of the franchise centering Godzilla, Kong and an assortment of other Titans.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This and other revelations sour Roman and Dennis’ endearing bond and debunk the spontaneity of the pair’s first encounter.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But beloved rapper and reality star Flavor Flav wasn’t the only one urging followers to support Meester’s erstwhile pop career.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The founder of JetBlue Airways gives the carrier’s erstwhile merger target some unsolicited advice.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 25 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near past

Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on past

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!