abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

1

: beside one another in line

columns of men five abreast

with seats two abreast on each side of the aisle

They drew abreast of [=alongside of] each other.

2

: up to a particular standard or level especially of knowledge of recent developments

tries to keep abreast of [=to stay informed about] the news

Synonyms

• acquainted
• informed
• aware
• familiar
• up

Examples of abreast in a Sentence

keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends

Recent Examples on the Web

Tracking new information about the firm The other challenge for extant directors is to stay abreast of the news, 8-Ks, chatter, or sentiment about the firm between board meetings. —Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Loyal fans needed to watch the theatrical release to keep abreast of the conversations about the show and again to catch anything that may have been tweaked in the recut. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025

And in a constantly changing world, Keast strives to keep members abreast of everything from weapons platforms to pressing global and domestic threats. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025

Follow the mall on Instagram to stay abreast of most recent inventory, or call the shop to inquire about current availability. —Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abrest, from a- a- entry 1 + brest breast entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing abreast

• abreast of
• keep abreast of

Rhymes for abreast

• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed
• celeste

Kids Definition

abreast

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbrest 

1

: side by side with bodies in line

lined up three abreast

2

: up to a standard or level especially of knowledge

keep abreast of the times