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

Now, even the power plant next to the mines burns natural gas instead of coal. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 Place it on a side table next to a porch swing to complete a reading nook, or set it on your porch steps to illuminate your entry. — Better Homes & Gardens, 9 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

Preposition

Coleman was quick and decisive while navigating the crowded real estate near the line of scrimmage.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The fire advanced to within 300 meters (1,000 feet) of Gey, which sits on the edge of the forest near the Belgian border.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of near

Preposition

Certainly there’s been a world of change since the doors of WCC opened a year after that initial gathering – with 1,600 students attending classes in various community facilities.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
The Bengals traded their first-round pick to the Giants to get Lawrence, while Allen signed during free agency after playing for the Vikings last season.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of after

Adverb

The six highest-earning clubs in England have remained the same for almost two decades and continue to enjoy far greater matchday and commercial revenues than the rest.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Count Michael King among those who almost expected a step back, akin to what Casey Mize endured after waiting 10 days before turning in the worst start of his career in his Padres debut in Arizona.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of almost

Preposition

Saturday’s tour was for 13 passengers for a trip around the harbor near the Statue of Liberty, arranged through the tour operator for $1,800, the complaint said.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
There are multiple gift shops scattered throughout the museum, as each special exhibition tends to have a dedicated one with products curated around its artist or theme.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of around

Adverb

Korean trash cans Seoul is a city of nearly 10 million people, but there are just 7,000 public trash cans on its streets.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Barron, last year’s first-round pick, nearly had a second interception minutes later, but the ball squirted through his hands.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of nearly

Preposition

There’s no hope left of release — of riding Dreamfyre out of the Dragonpit, of playing with chickens in a sunlit field, her two children beside her.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
But at a red light near the Las Vegas Strip, a white Cadillac pulled up beside them and gunfire erupted.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of beside

Adverb

The whole thing was practically shot, which was pretty big for a first-time filmmaker — to be pushing the practical shooting of it all.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
Coal, which accounted for about 80% of electricity in 2000, provided just 55% in 2025, while wind and solar rose to around 20% from practically nothing over that period.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of practically

Preposition

The Alexander Stadium holds 23,000 for these championships, boosted by a temporary top tier erected on the Hudson-Smith stand, which follows the far-side bend.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Turn on any cable news network, and the national political landscape can look like a toxic wasteland, defined by vitriol, outrage, even allegations of treason.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of by

Browse Nearby Words

next door to

next to

nexus

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Next to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/next%20to. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of next to

preposition

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on next to

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

lackadaisical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes