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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Past” — 3 Other Ways to Say It

The time when things happened before today.

IPA: /pɑːst/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meaning of Past

The time before now; all events that happened before the present moment.

How to Pronounce Past

IPA: /pɑːst/ Stress: O

One syllable: /pɑːst/. Rhymes with 'fast'.

Full pronunciation guide for past →

3 Synonyms for Past — Words Similar to Past

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

history

/ˈhɪstəri/
noun A2

Past events and facts about what happened before today.

Example: She studied world history in her university course.

Smart Synonyms for Past — When to Use Each

history

recorded events from past time

yesterday

very recent immediate past

Antonyms of Past — Opposite Words

How to Use Past and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • She learned from her past mistakes. A1
  • In the past, people traveled by horse. A2
  • The past decade saw major technological changes. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Past

What is another word for "past"?

Common synonyms for "past" include: history, yesterday, olden times.

What can I say instead of "past"?

Try one of these alternatives: history, yesterday, olden times. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "past" formal or informal?

"past" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "past" instead of "history"?

Use "past" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "history" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "past"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "past" include: future, present.

Explore “Past” in Other Tools