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
The criminal indictment shows a picture of Lumumba, sitting next to Owens, making a phone call. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 6 July 2026 In Northern Europe, the scriptorium was often located next to the calefactorium (warming room), where a fire was kept alive, allowing scribes to step in and warm themselves when needed. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Adverb
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 Witnesses reportedly told police King had been hanging around outside the apartment, inquiring about Toney’s whereabouts, and was seen standing next to his body after the gunshots rang out. — Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 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
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Run a fan near seating and dining areas to keep flying pests off ‌food and guests.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • Ryan Lasko, a 24-year-old outfielder in the Athletics system, was injured during a game with Double-A Midland RockHounds after diving to catch a ball while playing center field.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The commission said there were four reports of consumers seeking medical treatment after swallowing the metal bristles, and customers were advised to stop using the products and request a replacement nylon grill brush.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • Mediators of the deal, led by Pakistan and Qatar, will almost certainly now be hurriedly trying to get the agreement back on the rails.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • In fact, the idea of splitting atoms for propulsion and power was being seriously considered almost as soon as the first atomic explosions were made public.
    — David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Definition of almost
Preposition
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of around
Adverb
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • As night falls, the doors open and the nearly 5,000 attendees walk in.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of nearly
Preposition
  • One explosion occurred next to the Four Seasons in the heart of the capital and another blast went off beside the nearby Ministry of Tourism, a Syrian official told CNN on condition of anonymity.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • Young kids dressed in their Sunday best stood beside his desk, too.
    — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of beside
Adverb
  • And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
  • Loose dresses are a lifesaver when humidity strikes, and this midi style was practically made for tropical temperatures.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of practically
Preposition
  • The Munizes included the same statement in a new post that instead was accompanied by a photo of the family of three.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Still, by adding Brown, the 76ers won’t have to be as concerned if Embiid’s health continues to be an issue.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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