Synonyms for

Past

Verb / pæst / Another word for past — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

gone by or no longer in existence; belonging to a former time

Synonyms & similar words

present by future yesteryear retiring preceding pasttimes pasttense former previous bygone historical antediluvian outdated obsolete expired completed finished over done elapsed departed late foregone olden long-gone outmoded

Synonyms by register

Formal

preceding former previous bygone

Informal

ago before done over

Literary

yore bygone days eld

Antonyms

future present upcoming forthcoming imminent ahead

Common collocations

  • in the past
  • past tense
  • past due
  • past participle
  • past performance
  • past few years
  • past the point

Word family

noun past
adjective past
adverb past

Usage note

As a preposition, 'past' often indicates movement beyond a point or time. As a noun, it refers to a time before the present.

Example sentences

  1. I saw a picture of my mom from the past.
  2. We can learn from our past mistakes.
  3. The dinosaur lived in the distant past.
  4. I missed the train because I arrived past the departure time.
  5. I walked past the store on my way to school.

Quotes

  • The past is always tense, the future perfect. - Zadie Smith
  • Study the past if you would define the future. - Confucius
  • The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. - Unknown

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