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

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 The facility would sit next to the nation's largest hub for deportations. — Jack Brook, ABC News, 6 July 2026

Adverb

Drifts and snow piled next to high traffic areas causes grass to collapse and mat. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026 Throughout the city, bare trees were weighed down with icicles and snow was piled up next to sidewalks. — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for next to

Preposition

Prosecutors also presented surveillance footage captured from a distance that Hull testified showed Robinson running across the rooftop of the Losee Center, a building on UVU’s campus near the courtyard where Kirk’s event was taking place.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Power lines were down near West Boulevard and Remount Road, a Charlotte Observer journalist reported.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026

Definition of near

Preposition

Mac still hasn’t quite put everything back together again, even after a rookie season that was eerily close to Nix’s numbers in 2024.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2026
The work stoppage at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and MGB Home Care sites began Wednesday, when Massachusetts Nurses Association members voted to strike after months of contract negotiations failed.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 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

Plans for a data center in Henderson County are apparently on hold for now after the developer did not provide justification for a request to pull a maximum of nearly 2 billion gallons of water a year from Cedar Creek Lake.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Then the group will take a nice – and well-deserved – break for a little bit after their nearly year-long tour and releasing music in between.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 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

Shipping traffic through the strait practically ground to a halt after the start of the war, as Iranian forces choked off vital energy supplies from the Middle East, sending oil prices soaring.

— Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 11 July 2026
The reality showed that there was practically nothing to fear.

— Zuri Primos July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026

Definition of practically

Preposition

Leading the list is the United States’ third-country refugee agreements and the Citizenship by Investment program, which both Washington and the European Union have now linked to visa restrictions.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Kearney reckons EVs will account for 30% of the total two-wheeler market in India by 2030 from 7% last year as commuters seek more eco-friendly rides amid volatile fuel prices.

— Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of by

Browse Nearby Words

next door to

next to

nexus

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Style

“Next to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/next%20to. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of next to

preposition

adverb

Example Sentences

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