past 1 of 3

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

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

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Example 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 Department of Homeland Security is attacking Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes about Markwayne Mullin’s past as a plumber. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026 Mukhamadullin, Michael Misa, and Tyler Toffoli included — took a return pass from Evangelista and fired a puck past rookie goalie Yaroslav Askarov for a 4-3 Predators lead. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
And their creative abilities only makes the tension between their past bodies of work and their current endeavors harder to process. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026 But others see past modes of transportation as part of San Diego’s future. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Preposition
In a Cape Ann League matchup, Bodin Carovillano finished with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) while six other players added at least two points a piece to lift Manchester Essex past Hamilton-Wenham, 14-5. Kevin Barrucci, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026 With so many Democrats running, there’s the genuine prospect of them splintering partisan support, resulting in the leading GOP candidates — Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton — grabbing both slots and moving past June 2. Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • The history of struggle against technology is also the history of struggle over what makes the human different from the machine.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Indiana still needs two wins to avoid posting the lowest single season victory total in the franchise's NBA history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Current council member Cameron Nave vied for his seat, to which he was appointed last year, against former council member Bill Garnos.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The Australian Special Air Service Association, which represents current and former members of the elite regiment, said some may be required to testify against former comrades.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Either way, this decisive energy favors clear asks and tangible action over chasing perfect conditions.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Some experts warn that, over time, climate change could worsen these leaks across the county in one of the most fragile aquifers in the United States.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Upon his arrival, Trautwein signed two transfers from his former school, guard TJ Shanahan and tackle Egan Boyer, and convinced Emeka Ugorji to leave Stanford for the SEC after a promising true freshman season.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Oilers scored on all three power-play chances in the best performance for that unit since Leon Draisaitl went down with a lower-body injury on March 15 after scoring with the man advantage early in that game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Since 2023, a Sasquatch figure — similar to the one in the old Jack Link’s Beef Jerky ads — has appeared atop the Royals Hall of Fame in left field after Pasquantino reaches base.
    PJ Green April 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Not yet able to buy an alcoholic drink, Knueppel is only 20 years old.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Cordes’s cohort of scientists helped to show that the devastation of oil spills goes far beyond our coasts, where birds and fish are the most visible victims.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Some current Jackson County legislators are also running for other positions, both in local government and beyond.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Global oil supply has reduced by 13%, according to the IMF, while severe damage has been done to other critical supply chains.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier in the season Schumaker talked about the importance of a well-rounded team to win and while Eovaldi and deGrom struggled in their first three starts other members from the starting rotation stepped up with MacKenzie Gore, Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter all shining.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spain and Italy have both denied America use of military bases in their territory; Britain, the erstwhile steadfast ally of America, wavered on the issue, too.
    Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Still, the erstwhile tax credit made the cars more accessible.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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