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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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
This is also where Victoria learns of Ted’s romantic past with Robin, setting up a rift that would never truly go away. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026 Three months before her death, Hayden Panettiere was publicly revisiting her past in an attempt to also look ahead. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
It's gotten him into trouble as people have gone through some of his past statements. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Bovino talked about the visit on his social media page Monday with a reference to past operations in Charlotte. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
Preposition
The new Geran-4, capable of cruising over 200 mph and sprinting past 300 mph, poses substantial defensive challenges, drastically reducing reaction time for ground units. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The director behind Chimp Crazy and Tiger King is even quite familiar with interviewees who are willing to look past the law. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 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
  • Supporters of Beaver’s Mini Mart have attacked Buc-ee’s online and boycotted the stores, and the mini mart's home city passed a resolution making the beaver an official part of its history.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • To stay here is to sleep among centuries of history—something the property is eager to remind you of at every turn.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of history
Adjective
  • Chow Hang-tung, a prominent young human rights lawyer who conducted her own defense, and former opposition lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan were found guilty of inciting subversion at West Kowloon Court on Friday.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Bennett Weiner, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, said a late registration isn't that unusual, especially for small charities, but the hostile takeover by a former member is.
    — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of former
Preposition
  • Executive orders to limit mail-in ballots, lawsuits over voter registration data, threats to funding and more have poured out of the White House leading up to the 2026 general election.
    — Denver Post, Denver Post, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Many people living in the US struggle to access any kind of regular healthcare due to a lack of insurance, logistical challenges, fears over immigration enforcement and more.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of over
Preposition
  • The recovery ended a search that began on July 31 after the expedition, led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja, was swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Blood pressure problems can persist or worsen in the initial days and weeks after childbirth, and preeclampsia can first appear during the postpartum period.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of after
Adjective
  • Nuclear Children follows 18-year-old Isla Sparrow who, after the death of her father in a submarine accident, hopes to escape her grieving family and flee to university.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But in older adults, the relationship between body weight and health may be more complicated than a number on the scale.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of old
Preposition
  • So this could turn out to be a season where the hot hand will rule, with Simone willing to wait his turn while Klay and Tim get first crack from beyond the arc.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Plenty of adults were appalled, but punk had a powerful influence on fashion, filmmaking and graphic design as well as rock music – well beyond punk itself.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of beyond
Adjective
  • People can lose weight because of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Among other packaging tweaks, the 3-ounce and 8-ounce mists, as well as the 8-ounce wash, now use custom bottles that were developed specifically for this line.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of other
Adjective
  • 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
  • But the erstwhile nightlife entrepreneur hasn’t been emotionally bereft throughout his legal ordeal.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about past

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