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
Argentina paid tribute to its past as three-time World Cup champions and put Kansas City in the spotlight. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026 Their ultimate goal is to soothe both the main characters and the viewers at home, often by allowing characters to address unresolved traumas from their past. Kayti Burt, Time, 29 May 2026
Adjective
At this past weekend’s Produced By conference, an annual gathering of producers as hosted by the PGA, Jason Blum was taking a victory lap. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 1 June 2026 Old Navy’s overnight-sensation collab with gay, Black fashion designer Christopher John Rogers this past April. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
Preposition
Lawmakers need to find ways to raise additional, sustainable revenue over the long term to avoid past budget missteps and support the state’s neediest residents, Martwick said. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 The results helped vault its shares up 36% and extended five-day gains past 50%. Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • The Canes have absolutely torn through the Eastern Conference en route to their third Cup Final appearance in franchise history.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Haaland could make history as the first female Native American governor if she’s elected.
    Erin Cox, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The new map moved predominantly Black neighbors into white majority districts and split Wasserman Schultz’s former district five ways, leading her to launch a campaign for the 20th District.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
  • Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, and former health secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who emerged late in the campaign as a front-runner, led a crowded field in the California governor’s race Wednesday morning.
    Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
Preposition
  • Driven by looming patent cliffs, newly buoyant public markets, and Big Pharma’s race to beef up their pipelines, dealmaking so far in 2026 amounted to $106 billion over 201 deals, according to PitchBook data.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Preposition
  • Grossman did not try to leave the scene after the crash, Holm said.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Concern grew on the Knicks sideline as star guard Jalen Brunson hobbled off the court after San Antonio forward Harrison Barnes fell into the three-time All-Star’s right knee as a result of a foul.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to News 12, the 43-year-old reality star told VUE Magazine about his plans to enter the political sphere at their spring edition party on Thursday night.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • They were jostled by men carrying heavy crates, cursed out by a man selling a pair of old boots, and viewed with suspicion by seemingly everyone else.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Preposition
  • How the Avs respond will affect not only their chances of winning the Stanley Cup in 2027 but also years beyond that.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • By executing a teardown the Red Sox could also restock their farm system and ideally add a new wave of position player prospects who could help the big league lineup next year and beyond.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • In War and Peace, Tolstoy’s concept—among a million other things—was to show how the young people who lived through the Napoleonic invasion went on to lead Russia’s first democratic uprising, the Decembrist Revolt of 1825.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • It can be booked for private sessions, but if full, the spa menu offers plenty of other indulgences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and John Oliver are reuniting for a special video episode of their erstwhile podcast Strike Force Five, the quintet of late-night hosts announced during their joint appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • Then, in 2017, Tesla mainstreamed the Model S with the more affordable Model 3, surpassing the erstwhile eco-warrior favorite Prius.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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