beyond

1 of 3

adverb

be·​yond bē-ˈänd How to pronounce beyond (audio)
Synonyms of beyondnext
1
: on or to the farther side : farther
We could see the valley and the hills beyond.
2
: in addition : besides
provides the essentials but nothing beyond

beyond

2 of 3

preposition

1
: on or to the farther side of : at a greater distance than
beyond the horizon
2
a
: out of the reach or sphere (see sphere entry 1 sense 4b) of
a task beyond his strength
b
: in a degree or amount surpassing
beautiful beyond measure
c
: out of the comprehension of
his reasoning is beyond me
3
: in addition to : besides
doing work beyond his regular duties

beyond

3 of 3

noun

1
: something that lies on or to the farther side : something that lies beyond (see beyond entry 1 sense 1)
… twenty miles back into the beyondR. W. Hatch
2
: something that lies outside the scope of ordinary experience
… there's a beyond that the mind can't see, and that's where the answers are.Robert Nathan
specifically : hereafter

Examples of beyond in a Sentence

Adverb From the house we can see the valley and the hills beyond. We passed the hotel and drove a bit beyond to see the ocean. The children who are part of the study will be monitored through their school years and beyond. Preposition From the house we can see the valley and the mountains beyond it. The parking area is just beyond those trees. Our land extends beyond the fence to those trees. planets beyond our solar system His influence does not extend beyond this department. Noun who knows how we'll fare in the beyond?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
The image's bottom panel — Artemis 4 and beyond — is the most interesting. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Keep reading to learn how to tackle messes room by room, from play areas to bedrooms and beyond, all while using products that are safe for tiny hands and curious mouths. ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Preposition
There’s a lower level of proof for a preliminary hearing — not the same burden of proof that’s needed during a trial, which requires that the jury believe the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Alex Brizee march 3, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026 But the biggest piece of that, beyond the ownership’s aptitude to do it, is the stadium project. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
In the movie’s opening moments, Shelley speaks from the beyond directly to us. ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 Another player who could make the Rapids’ offense sing this year and beyond is winger Dante Sealy. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beyond

Word History

Etymology

Adverb, Preposition, and Noun

Middle English, preposition & adverb, from Old English begeondan, from be- + geondan beyond, from geond yond — more at yond

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beyond was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Beyond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beyond. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

beyond

1 of 2 adverb
be·​yond bē-ˈänd How to pronounce beyond (audio)
: on or to the farther side

beyond

2 of 2 preposition
1
: on or to the farther side of
beyond that tree
beyond the sea
2
: out of the reach or sphere of
beyond help
beautiful beyond belief

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