past 1 of 3

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples 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
The country music star appeared via video call to chat with Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager, and the conversation quickly turned to a hilarious story about their past. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 There’s color in nearly every corner, and history in nearly every thing—even if their distinct pasts don’t necessarily belong to Keenlyside. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The Christmas shopping season, the peak sales period for many retailers, is past, followed by the season when struggling retailers often announce closures. David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 11 Jan. 2025 When The News asked about the Yankees’ departures this offseason, past and present members of the organization described the exodus as a testament to the club. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
Preposition
About 3,600 households will remain eligible to continue staying in hotel or motel rooms sponsored by FEMA past Saturday — up from the 2,100 eligible households reported by local news outlet WLOS on Thursday. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025 At New York Drive and Allen Avenue, a Guard member at the blockade said a man had shown him the Facebook post then ducked under the yellow police tape and ran past the guards. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for past 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned more than 12,000 structures and are expected to be the most costly fires in American history, with estimates ranging from $50 billion to $150 billion.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Nix then hit Troy Franklin on a 43-yard pass to the end zone, the first rookie-to-rookie connection for a passing touchdown in NFL postseason history.
    Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Their former The Hills co-stars Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge have all shouted out Montag’s music on their own platforms.
    Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Dig in: Duckworth purchased the recipe rights and is partnering with Chili Willi's former owner and chef, Ron Smith, to bring the restaurant to Charlotte.
    Laura Barrero, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
Preposition
  • These mortgages are a requirement to maintain ownership over a home.
    Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 18 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Preposition
  • Leonard looked a bit wobbly after taking a hit while throwing an incomplete pass.
    NBC News, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Keep your hands clean: Thoroughly wash your hands throughout the day, especially before and after eating.
    Cristina Mutchler, Health, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • At twenty years old, Gauff is already a Grand Slam champion, and one of the richest and most famous female athletes in the United States.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 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
  • Some are contracted by insurance companies and other times are hired directly by affluent homeowners.
    Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Incorporate sage green on walls or furnishings in rooms that feature hardwood floors, butcher-block countertops, stone tile, and other natural finishes.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But as the decades passed and shinier properties in even taller towers mushroomed around the city, the Dusit Thani lost its erstwhile luster and eventually morphed into a dependable — but dated — choice for (mostly) business travelers passing through town.
    Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
  • And while Vice President-elect J.D. Vance is in many respects a movement conservative himself, the populist Ohioan has worked with progressive Democrats on bipartisan legislation in the Senate, in contrast with former Vice President Mike Pence, Trump’s erstwhile sidekick from four years ago.
    W. James Antle III, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near past

Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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