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
Artist Meredith Reynolds believed Platner’s past paled into insignificance when compared with his opponents. David Millward, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026 Scott spoke for everyone in the family, past and present. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Adjective
Race registration was sold out as of this past weekend, but a waitlist is available for interested runners if space opens up. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026 Most of my past 25 years on the CTA have been for trips as a commuter during busy commuter hours in the morning and evening. Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Preposition
Annin's operations director has strode past this scene every workday for more than two decades. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026 Gray has 1,134 assists and moved past current Aces coach Becky Hammon (1,133) into first place on the franchise’s career assist list. ABC News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • Whitney Plantation hosts two permanent exhibits, one of which gives an overview about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and another that focuses on the history of slavery in Louisiana.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Birds of America is my imperfect attempt to show that history can’t be buried forever, and that what happens to one of us happens, in some way, to all of us.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The village of Juaben is home to the Aston Villa supporters’ group The Ghana Lions, with their fandom tracing back to a love of the club’s former Republic of Ireland international defender Paul McGrath.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • With 48% of votes counted, Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine, was winning with 72% to 20% for Mills.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Preposition
  • But child care for two children would cost well over $1,000 a month per child — a daunting expense for a family suddenly relying on a single income.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • With just over five seconds remaining, Brunson got the inbounds pass and chucked up a long three-pointer that hit the front of the rim.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
Preposition
  • According to the report, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the clinic after a call that Aponte was experiencing breathing problems, but the document indicates first responders found a much more serious situation upon arrival.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • To crow on for page after page about how kind and empathetic your husband is provides no value to an electorate who cannot rely on him anymore.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • While a few of the old hunters were wistful about the memory of the large mammals, others saw extirpation as necessary progress.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • The 24-year-old’s burning desire, elite athleticism, and an electrifying season at Triple-A Albuquerque busted down the big-league door.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
Preposition
  • In Manatí, near a chain of Taíno caves and the Tortuguero Nature Reserve (the island’s only natural lagoon), Efrén David Robles is expanding the idea of what Puerto Rico offers beyond San Juan’s beaches and El Yunque National Forest.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • But his anger appeared to extend beyond the disruption caused by the repairs.
    Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
  • Sony is underway on a search for a new star and other cast members.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The erstwhile New York resident was loudly and vigorously booed by the hometown crowd as he was shown on the jumbotron of the legendary arena.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2026
  • Despite his meltdown in Colorado’s extra-inning loss to Milwaukee Friday night, the erstwhile starter has been one of baseball’s best relievers this season.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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