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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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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 9 Jun. 2026.

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