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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In the recent past, the Panthers have almost always seemed to learn more from defeat. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 With her political future on the line, Bass sits down with Vanity Fair to discuss her radical past, her powerful allies, and the fight to keep her job. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Looking to end a drought The Hurricanes have lost their past five matchups with the Tar Heels, with their most recent win in the series coming in 2018 and their most recent road win in the set coming in 2017. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 Under the change, any borrower who was enrolled as of May 6, 2015, would qualify for a loan discharge and refund of any past payments. — Cory Turner, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Preposition
However, with the rise of bag charms and nostalgic jewelry, the brand has found staying power past 2020 and continues to expand. — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 But the real appeal may lie in the fact that its parking is gated, keeping out the paparazzi, whose cameras can’t see in past the stone fence. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Oct. 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
  • The latest public records trove from the federal government details spooky — yet, unverified — history of UFOs on Catalina?
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Here’s a closer look at where those marks rank in UM history.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of history
Adjective
  • Jean Dorneval, a former Haiti defense minister, said while there is public enthusiasm and support among Haitians for Bukele’s troops, the government needs to provide answers.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • This week, a Boston University study was published that analyzed the medical records of more than 2,000 deceased former NFL players.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of former
Preposition
  • Until then, the RSF will, based on its actions over the past two decades, continue to slaughter tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Bolsonaro, who is under investigation as part of a money-laundering probe, initially rejected Sunday’s result amid a row over voting hours being extended at the last minute by a supreme court judge who was previously Lula’s lawyer.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of over
Preposition
  • Beehive developed the prototype in just four months after finalizing its requirements with the US Air Force.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Defensive tackle Aaron Donald, 35, played 10 seasons before retiring after the 2023 season.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of after
Adjective
  • This old Southern home on a barrier island is a four-story frame structure decorated with antiques, Asian rugs, and Tiffany lamps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • More photos, this time of our 12-year-old playing with a cat in our house.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of old
Preposition
  • In other words, while the NFL has not announced plans to keep Williams off the field over his Caddix cleats, its existing rules provide a potential enforcement mechanism that goes well beyond simply issuing another fine.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Or is that simply naivete borne of the American myth that our candidates’ attentiveness extends beyond the ballot box and endures long after Election Day?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of beyond
Adjective
  • Tellingly, most other states give local governments this ability.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • His church, the Church of the Resurrection, was at the forefront of efforts to make the United Methodist Church more inclusive to LGBTQ congregants, but many other churches supported the change.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of other
Adjective
  • The erstwhile king of clay, nine-time champion Rafael Nadal, had been deposed in the quarterfinal, and the man who had dished out that comprehensive defeat, Novak Djokovic, would assume the throne.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Katrina, an erstwhile nemesis from her school days, discomfits her by showing only kindness rather than animosity.
    — Malcolm Forbes, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of erstwhile

Phrases Containing past

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Cite this Entry

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

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