NEXT TO Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

next to 1 of 2

preposition

Definition of next to

as in near

close to enjoys living next to the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

The Shoshone chief next to me pours more water on the hot stones that are stacked in the middle of our circle of ten. — Taylor Eisenhauer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 Surveillance photos taken by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration show workers wearing no protective gear at the demolition site of the Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, next to the working hospital building immediately to the left. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Adverb

To help make up ground from the disadvantage of a statewide race without an R next to his name, Achilles has hit the road. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026 Before reaching for the familiar label, check the unit price next to its store-brand neighbor. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for next to

Preposition

What Bono didn’t say is how many cheap seats near the stage U2 actually offers.

— James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The truck drives south, then west on Highway 46 through fields of almond trees and roses, before disappearing into an industrial zone near the farming center of Wasco.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of near

Preposition

The latest push to end the practice began in June after an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a runaway carriage.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Jeffries will campaign with Johnny Garcia, who’s running a competitive race in one of those seats where Republicans initially expected an easier pickup (after already forcing one longtime Democratic incumbent to retire).

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

Defense lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, who represents Mackenzie and almost all of the others convicted, said he had been instructed to appeal.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
From a dozen seats to 20,000 sign-ups Growth has come almost entirely from social media.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of almost

Preposition

Infection signs around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas also warrant attention, the agency added.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Canada doubled down on its historic 24-21 win in Toronto last week with sustained defensive pressure and a withering three-try burst in nine minutes around the hour mark.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of around

Preposition

At some military gates, people passed sacks of flour and gas canisters through the gates, while an elderly man pushed his wife in a wheelchair through an opening beside one of them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
It's composed mainly of a flexible biocompatible polymer, and is adhered to the face beside the eye via a medical adhesive.

— Ben Coxworth October 23, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of beside

Adverb

Yet the 103-win Milwaukee Brewers and 98-win Tampa Bay Rays were the best teams in their respective leagues practically all season.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, were practically inseparable in their final years.

— Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of practically

Browse Nearby Words

next door to

next to

nexus

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Next to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/next%20to. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of next to

preposition

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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