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
Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force him to confront dark corners of his past. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 May 2026 The opposition figure — a close ally of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado — reserved some of his harshest criticism for interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, accusing her of attempting to rewrite her political past. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Adjective
On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced the signing of three players who attended this past weekend’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Pete Sweeney may 4, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026 Of the eight shots that got past Wallstedt — the ninth was an empty-netter — five of them were shot from roughly that same spot on the rink. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
Preposition
Leading off Buxton’s first-inning home run off of Cease was the 21st leadoff homer of his career, moving him past Jacque Jones for second on the franchise career list. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 Now, after years of layering additions, upgrades and custom touches, Stymeist is looking ahead — past the pool, the stage, the shop — and toward a different climate. David Caraccio may 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for past
Recent Examples of Synonyms for past
Noun
  • Johnston pointed to Dukes’ criminal behavior and history.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But the king is expected to express the highest regard and friendship between the two countries on the 250th anniversary year of independence, creating what the palace called one of the greatest alliances in human history.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Two former players were deemed permanently ineligible to participate in NCAA play after the governing body found them in violation of potential game manipulation for sports betting.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This is Anunoby’s third postseason with the Knicks, who acquired him in the December 2023 trade that sent former first-round picks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Buoyed by Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers held a one-point lead over the Knicks going into the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Preposition
  • Carolyn Hax started her Washington Post advice column in 1997, after five years on the Style desk and none as a therapist.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
  • Japan's Nikkei 225 surged above 62,000 to a record after a holiday, and South Korea's Kospi also hit a new high in early Asian trading.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Senior second baseman Alexis Richter has learned a lot about playing softball from her three older sisters.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The 73-year-old Weinstein kept his eyes trained on Mann throughout her Tuesday testimony, intermittently whispering to his attorney, Teny Geragos.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • The Supreme Court’s rollback of the Voting Rights Act is already throwing the 2026 midterm elections into flux, as states weigh last-minute changes to their congressional maps, while preparing for a much broader redistricting battle in the years beyond.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
  • Every Kentucky Derby evokes emotion in the winning horse’s team, but the 1990 race brought it to a level even beyond a Hallmark movie.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • That decision puts at risk both of the majority-Black districts in Louisiana of being eliminated in the redrawing, as well as majority-minority districts in other states.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 May 2026
  • The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • With input from food historian Pushpesh Pant, chef Vijay Sahi has designed three tasting menus that reimagine the culinary whims of the erstwhile royals from across India.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Her father is musician and writer David Turin, an erstwhile editor of mine some three decades ago.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Past.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/past. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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