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
• informed
• aware
• familiar
• up

Examples of abreast in a Sentence

keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends

Recent Examples on the Web

Like a digital intermission clock of sorts that kept the audience abreast of what percentage of the time between sets had been used up. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

Often pictured attending fashion weeks and runway shows, Keaton clearly kept abreast of trends, incorporating them into her wardrobe. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025

The city of Memphis, meanwhile, launched a website where residents can log complaints and keep abreast of the presence of federal agents in the city. —Connor Greene, Time, 30 Sep. 2025

Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 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