Another Word for Next – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The word next is highly common, meaning coming immediately after the present one or the one just mentioned, or nearest in sequence. To make your English more varied and specific, learning another word for next will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean subsequent, following, or adjacent.
What is Another Word for Next?
A great synonym for next (in the sense of following in time or order) is subsequent. Next means coming immediately after the present one or the one just mentioned. Subsequent means coming after something in time; following. Both words describe an element or event that appears immediately after, or later in, a sequence. Learning words like subsequent helps you emphasize the idea of a later occurrence or step in a formal context.
Meaning of “Next”
Next (adjective/determiner) means coming immediately after the present one; nearest in a succession or sequence; or, adjacent in place. (Adverb) means immediately afterward.
We use it for time (the next meeting), order (the next step), or location (the next building).
Synonyms for “Next”
Here are some common ways to say next:
- Subsequent: Coming after something in time; following. (A strong, formal alternative emphasizing order in time or steps.)
- Following: Coming immediately after in time or order. (A versatile alternative emphasizing sequence.)
- Succeeding: Coming after something else in a series; following. (Used when emphasizing replacement or continuation in a line.)
- Adjacent: Next to or adjoining something else. (Used specifically when emphasizing physical location/proximity.)
- Subsequently: (Adverb) Afterward; later. (Used to replace “next” when functioning as an adverb to connect two actions.)
Example Sentences
- The results of the initial study will be published in a subsequent paper.
- Please review the following guidelines before starting the procedure.
- The new manager will take over the role in the succeeding fiscal quarter.
- Our office is located in the building adjacent to the main library.
- He finished the analysis and subsequently prepared the final report.
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “What is the next stage of the project?”
Mia: “The team needs to focus on the subsequent phase of testing. The following steps are clearly outlined.”
Sam: “Okay, I’ll review the succeeding instructions.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use Subsequent to refer to the nearest physical location. Use Adjacent for location.
✅ Do use Subsequent for formal references to a step or event later in time, and Following for an immediate, ordered sequence.
Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The professor asked the students to turn to the __________ chapter in the textbook.” (Answer: Following – This synonym works best because it refers specifically to the immediate, next item in a sequence or order.)
Practice Tip
Use subsequent or following instead of “next” in your next formal report or presentation to sound more precise.
Final Note
Knowing what is another word for next and practicing synonyms like subsequent and following will help you describe order and sequence clearly.
