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

Every few years, a vast area of water in the eastern Pacific warms near the equator.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Megill retired Richie Palacios on a grounder to second to end it, threw his arms in the air and was mobbed by teammates near the mound while Brewers fans celebrated in the stands.

— Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 29 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

Dominguez has been funded almost entirely by the teachers union.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Recorded live in a Norwegian church with the British organist Kit Downes, the album consists almost entirely of pipe organ and Sundfør’s steadfast, saintly voice.

— Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 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

Adverb

As families’ interest in charter schools continues to grow, however — charters enrolled over 400,000 students in 2026, up nearly 50,000 students since 2022 — supply and quality must keep up with demand.

— Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
After fouling out for the first time in nearly a year a few days ago, Antetokounmpo again ran into foul trouble early in Wednesday’s game.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of nearly

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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of next to

preposition

adverb

Example Sentences

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