the past
noun
1
: an earlier time : the time before the present
happy memories of the past
In the past, there was a company luncheon every month.
2
grammar
: a verb tense that is used to refer to the past : the past tense
The past of "walk" is "walked."
Examples of the past in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Today in history Here are just some of the historic events on this date in the past.
—
Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
As Heritage Board Chairman Barb Gaby and President Kevin Roberts wrote in their note to staff, alumni, and the many friends gained over the past 52 years:
Ed believed in addition, not subtraction.
—Bridget Weisenburger, National Review, 25 July 2025
The scene is both a climax and a turning point, symbolizing the struggle between the destructive legacy of the past and the hope for justice.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 25 July 2025
Over the past six years, the estate sold all of Epstein’s homes and islands and spent down much of its cash by distributing more than $160 million to victims, repaying a $30 million loan and agreeing to a $105 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the past
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
As Heritage Board Chairman Barb Gaby and President Kevin Roberts wrote in their note to staff, alumni, and the many friends gained over the past 52 years:
Ed believed in addition, not subtraction.
—Bridget Weisenburger, National Review, 25 July 2025
The scene is both a climax and a turning point, symbolizing the struggle between the destructive legacy of the past and the hope for justice.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 25 July 2025
Over the past six years, the estate sold all of Epstein’s homes and islands and spent down much of its cash by distributing more than $160 million to victims, repaying a $30 million loan and agreeing to a $105 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the past
Cite this Entry
“The past.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20past. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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