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
White has a controversial past, including failure to pay child support, a charge White denies, and making a number of derogatory social media comments. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Sampling the air using sediments from the seabed The Toarcian warming event is one of a dozen or so periods of climate change in the geological past that were triggered by enormous volcanic phenomena known as large igneous provinces. Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026
Adjective
Dong had been locked up in China several times, including for his activities commemorating the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and past efforts to flee. ABC News, 29 June 2026 Hiring teams may not see the connection between past experience and current needs. Adam Broda, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Preposition
But it was ruled offside due to his foot being just past the second-to-last Portuguese defender, preserving the scoreless tie. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026 The ball slipped past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who at first seemed to have no trouble blocking the shot, but the ball found the back of the net, making all the difference on Friday night in Guadalajara in front of 45,065 fans — most of whom were rooting for Spain. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • The Atlas Lions made history last time around in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the first African team to reach the semifinals.
    Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 24 June 2026
  • The Secret Service has said this year’s fireworks display will be more heavily guarded than any in recent history.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Johnston, Cobbins leaving Johnston’s departure comes just three years after becoming the long-term replacement for former County Administrator Doug Bach, who left the government under an $800,000 separation agreement.
    Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The backstory Educator, journalist, and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland—best known to the world as the creator of the American Girl line of dolls—graduated from Wells College, a former school in town, in 1962.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Preposition
  • In his absence, Mary, who has grown into herself tremendously over the course of the season, continues to build a life for herself in London.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • Burruss wrote over the beginning of the clip.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Preposition
  • Ryan Lasko, a 24-year-old outfielder in the Athletics system, was injured during a game with Double-A Midland RockHounds after diving to catch a ball while playing center field.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The commission said there were four reports of consumers seeking medical treatment after swallowing the metal bristles, and customers were advised to stop using the products and request a replacement nylon grill brush.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The infant, who is 9 months old, was rescued along with her mother, the State Department told Fox News Digital.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • While students honed their skills at the Santa Monica studio for the last year and four months, Blanck found an old pilates studio in Pacific Highlands for rent, but the numbers just didn't add up.
    Rina Nakano, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Preposition
  • Costa is called into action again as James Rodríguez fires low from beyond the 18-yard box, but the Portugal keeper dives low to his right to keep his goal unbeaten.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • The samples have helped extend records of past weather events centuries beyond modern satellite imagery, scientists say.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The majority framed sports as different from other school settings because of what is at stake every time a roster is made, a medal is awarded or a scholarship is offered.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Like so many other businesses and homes, cost has made coverage out of reach.
    Brian New, CBS News, 1 July 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 3 Jul. 2026.

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