next to 1 of 2

preposition

Definition of next tonext
1
as in near
close to enjoys living next to the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order next to the war, the flagging economy was the biggest campaign issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

next to

2 of 2

adverb

as in almost
very close to but not completely bought it for next to nothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 next to
Preposition
Dolly Parton was laid to rest next to her late husband in a private Nashville funeral. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 This unassuming strip of blue next to a busy road is the city's lifeline to the Colorado River. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Among the next to arrive was physician Kelly McGrath, followed by ICU nurse Susan Tyler, both of whom began working to stabilize Hunter. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 Over the weekend, Lewis took to social media and shared Polaroid photos of herself in a wedding gown, veil and a bouquet next to her cockapoo, Bobby Rhubarb. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for next to
  1. near
  2. after
  3. almost
  4. around
  5. nearly
  6. beside
  7. practically
  8. by
Preposition
  • The 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron completed the refurbishment on August 18 near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Burgum said excavation would begin during the next two weeks at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • Add a thin layer of topsoil after aerating to ensure an even lawn surface for overseeding.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Thompson said that Williams struck up their friendship after they during an English class on Zoom.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • Brentford have almost qualified for Europe in the past two seasons.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of almost
Preposition
  • Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the left, Harvey Barnes is currently first-choice, while Newcastle agreed a deal potentially rising to around £50million for Bazoumana Toure in July.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Adverb
  • Alquézar has overseen the team’s growth from roughly a dozen staff to nearly 20, backed by new ownership from Quantum Pacific and the arrival of coaches Simone Salvà and Vicky Travascio.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Chakravarthy joined Adobe as a top executive nearly seven years ago.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of nearly
Preposition
  • Laurel takes a seat beside the woman who sat across from her on the plane.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • King walked into the room with impersonal frankness and sat on the bed beside me.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beside
Adverb
  • This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, in her relatively short career, practically every accomplishment of Eala’s comes with a historic superlative.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of practically
Preposition
  • Before Bret can continue to self-identify as Shakespeare’s most famous hero, he’s questioned by Detectives Donaldson and Fregosi, who wonder if Bret isn’t being honest about the nature of his relationship with Matt.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gen 4 is also designed to add an Active Safety Mechanism intended to prevent thermal runaway by stabilizing electrode active materials at high temperatures.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of by

Browse Nearby Words

next door to
next to
nexus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Next to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/next%20to. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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