abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

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

• acquainted
• au courant
• conversant
• familiar
• informed
• knowledgeable
• up
• up-to-date
• versed
• well-informed

Examples of abreast in a Sentence

keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends

Recent Examples on the Web

The public is kept abreast of the voting process through smoke signals created by the burning of ballots. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 22 Apr. 2025

For leaders, this represents both a challenge—staying abreast of fast-evolving technology—and an enormous opportunity to differentiate their products and services. —Puneet Yamparala, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Every responsibility should be clearly outlined, reviewed regularly and updated to stay abreast of new regulations and industry developments. —Chris Novak, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Vulture’s film critics have somehow kept abreast of it all. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abrest, from a- a- entry 1 + brest breast entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing abreast

• abreast of
• keep abreast of

Rhymes for abreast

• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed
• celeste

Kids Definition

abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

1

: 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