past 1 of 3

noun

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

ˈpast How to pronounce past (audio)
as in former
having been such at some previous time a past editor of the newspaper

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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
But leaders should ask whether their systems evaluate current capability and potential or simply reward candidates whose past most closely resembles a traditional career path. — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Hints of its past can be spotted throughout the flooring, like markings of the old staircase and soda fountain. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
While some praised the theme, expressing excitement for the plethora of archival fashion possibilities for the upcoming Met Gala, others questioned why Galliano should receive this honor, upon the resurfacing of his past remarks and legal troubles. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 At some stage at least some of these tech firms will disappoint and perhaps cut capital spending as well as write off some of the value of past investments. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Preposition
The crude Tehran can load on tankers probably doesn't make it past the blockade, Smith added. — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 If any of those symptoms persist past two weeks, stop waiting and schedule. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
  1. history
  2. former
  3. over
  4. after
  5. old
  6. beyond
  7. other
  8. erstwhile
Noun
  • This week, the Indiana Fever point guard became the first player in WNBA history with consecutive games of 30 points and 10 assists.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As crowds gathered and the idea caught fire, Hard Rock began taking its particular mix of burgers, band tees, and music history around the world, eventually opening its first Asian cafe in Tokyo in 1983.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of history
Adjective
  • Paul Johnson, former director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, attributes the root cause to sluggish economic growth.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Per the settlement, former director Patty Hector, who was fired by the county's chief executive following a dispute over censorship, will receive $225,000.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of former
Preposition
  • China could reduce its advanced-chip supply deficit over the next decade as domestic production expands, but lithography is a major obstacle to semiconductor self-sufficiency, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis reported by a Chinese media outlet.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The role of companies Singapore’s new scheme shifts from merely encouraging births to focus on family well-being over the long term, which might help change how potential parents think about children.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of over
Preposition
  • Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Billie is a pro at this by now, which extends to wingman-ing, but Issa totally lost her skills after being out of the game so long.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of after
Adjective
  • The Dune star has five older half siblings from her father’s previous relationship.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Newcastle had depleted full-back resources and Jaissle was convinced the 24-year-old’s athleticism was ideal.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of old
Preposition
  • With new digital imaging techniques, astronomers were able to spot a new and tiny world orbiting 4 billion miles beyond Neptune.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Connection, wellbeing, and growth are foundational at Patina, shaping experiences that leave lasting impressions which resonate well beyond your stay.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beyond
Adjective
  • Yes, Minteh and Sarr both operate on the right and buying one of them arguably would have provided a better balance to Iraola’s attacking department given that his other wide players prefer the left flank.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That happened again when the five other conservatives – but not Roberts and the three liberals − said the administration could slash hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of health research funding.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of other
Adjective
  • Canada on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% percent on around $20 billion worth of US products, in an expanding trade war between the erstwhile allies.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Constructed in the late 19th century, the erstwhile residence joined Grand Hotel Timeo in 1929 when the properties’ owners married.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of erstwhile

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Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on past

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about past

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