abreast
Americanadverb
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side by side; beside each other in a line.
They walked two abreast down the street.
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equal to or alongside in progress, attainment, or awareness (usually followed by of orwith ).
to keep abreast of scientific developments; keeping abreast with the times.
adjective
-
alongside each other and facing in the same direction
-
up to date (with); fully conversant (with)
Etymology
Origin of abreast
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At many companies there is a single person in charge of HR, which might mean that compliance alone—staying abreast of federal, state and local laws and regulations—consumes that person’s days.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
Inslee is not, he told me, against staying abreast of public opinion per se.
From Slate • Jul. 10, 2025
On Sunday, Trump told reporters he had been kept abreast of the latest developments and the talks are "moving along".
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2025
And our intelligence agencies ensure our domestic defense by keeping abreast of those who do not like the United States.
From Salon • Feb. 6, 2025
Sam and Strider came behind, one on each side of Frodo’s pony, for the path was now broad enough for four or five hobbits to walk abreast.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
