next to 1 of 2

Definition of next tonext
1
as in near
close to enjoys living next to the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order next to the war, the flagging economy was the biggest campaign issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

next to

2 of 2

adverb

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 next to
Preposition
The Shoshone chief next to me pours more water on the hot stones that are stacked in the middle of our circle of ten. — Taylor Eisenhauer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 Surveillance photos taken by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration show workers wearing no protective gear at the demolition site of the Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, next to the working hospital building immediately to the left. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026
Adverb
Note, Cat in the Hat is one of the few family movies around this holiday season next to Disney’s girl-skewing Hexed which bows on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026 This often requires a level of patience that can feel next to impossible when change is nipping at your heels. — Suzanne Konstance, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for next to
Preposition
  • Scuffles with police were reported by unions near the main wholesale market on Madrid's outskirts.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The flexible material combines liquid gallium, a metal that melts near room temperature, with carbon nanotubes.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Preposition
  • Blue Origin accelerates development Northstar reached development testing just 11 months after receiving program approval.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • There’s no doubt this is a see-and-be-seen destination in the city, chosen for graduation celebrations, baby showers, birthdays, and after-work drinks with colleagues.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • His 3-point win that year kept the seat, held by Richard Burr for almost two decades, in Republican hands.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Billy Joel will tickle the ivories in public again for the first time in almost two years next month.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026
Preposition
  • On some evenings, Willie and Sue will join their guests around the campfire for a sundowner or two.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Recovery also requires welcoming scientists from around the world.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • The firm brings nearly two decades of combined experience at leading financial institutions with expertise in investments, development, and cross-border execution.
    — William Jones, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The nearly 1,000-foot-long vessel, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, will now rest on the seabed and provide a new habitat for marine life.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Preposition
  • Occupying a calm spot beside the Rutland River, the petroglyph is thought to have been carved about 1,700 years ago by the Arawak people.
    — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • One humanoid robot wearing a bandana collapsed in a heap on the cobbled route before engineers rushed in to repair it, while another tumbled down a flight of stairs and came to rest beside a rubbish bin.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • The backstory The Dusit brand is practically synonymous with luxury hospitality in Thailand, having first opened its doors in Bangkok back in 1970.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But the outcome shows that Johnson County’s voters practically single-handedly ended the Republican supermajority.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Preposition
  • The inaugural edition, which took place in California in August and was inspired by Lilith Fair, gathered an age-diverse lineup of female artists from Quiet Light to the Breeders.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The menu has been designed to take diners along the Silk Road (Constantinople was one of the route's westerly endpoints), fuelled by Turkish ingredients and Chinese cooking techniques.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Next to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/next%20to. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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