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Definitions

past

[past] / pæst /
ADJECTIVE
preceding, done
Synonyms
STRONGEST
completed former previous prior spent
STRONG
antecedent anterior over precedent
WEAK
accomplished ago elapsed ended extinct finished foregoing forgotten gone gone-by over and done
Antonyms
STRONGEST
after current future later present
ADJECTIVE
olden, former
Synonyms
STRONGEST
earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent
STRONG
ancient bygone latter over
WEAK
ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime time was way back way back when
Antonyms
STRONGEST
after current future later on time
STRONG
modern new
WEAK
present
NOUN
time gone by
Synonyms
STRONGEST
history
STRONG
antiquity yesterday yesteryear yore
WEAK
days gone by former times good old days long ago old lang syne old times olden days time immemorial times past years ago
Antonyms
WEAK
future present

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the past, when shares of unprofitable companies have left more solidly profitable peers in the dust, investors have referred to the phenomenon as a “dash for trash.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

First, over the past 60 years, corporations have moved away from the paternalistic style of management, where there was two-way loyalty between employers and employees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The franchise went 21-41 over the past four seasons and its offense scored a league-worst 241 points last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Trials are about discovering the truth, and a jury should know if a defendant has been accused of rape or sexual assault in the past.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

She shrugged, and walked past him towards the stove.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Vocabulary lists containing past

Conventions, Writing to Sources, and Speaking & Listening, Unit 1

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Week 2 Vocabulary

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Conventions, Writing to Sources, and Speaking & Listening (Unit 1)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!