ˈnext to BrE AmE preposition
1 . very close to someone or something, with no other person, building, place etc in between:
There was a little girl sitting next to him.
2 . next to nothing very little:
He knows next to nothing about antiques.
3 . used to give a list of things you like, hate etc in order to say what is first on the list:
Next to soccer, I like playing tennis best.
4 . in comparison with someone or something:
Next to her, I’m a very poor cook.
5 . next to impossible/useless etc almost impossible, useless etc:
This crossword puzzle is next to impossible.
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THESAURUS
▪ next to preposition very close to someone or something, with no other person, building, place etc in between:
I sat next to him at dinner.
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The hotel was right next to the airport.
▪ beside preposition next to the side of someone or something:
Ella came and sat down beside me.
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They were sitting beside the pool.
▪ by preposition next to something – often used about being very close to a window, door, or the edge of something such as an area of water:
I saw him standing by the window.
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Weymouth is a pretty little town by the sea.
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She lives by the river.
▪ next door adverb in the building or room next to yours, or next to another one:
The house next door is much bigger than ours.
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Have you met the people who’ve just moved in next door?
▪ alongside adverb , preposition close to the side of something, especially a river, railway, boat, or vehicle:
I decided to take the path alongside the railway track.
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A police car pulled up alongside.
▪ adjacent adjective , adverb formal a building, room, or piece of land that is adjacent to another one is next to it:
They walked through a rose garden adjacent to the hospital.
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The blaze spread to two adjacent buildings.
▪ adjoining adjective formal an adjoining room, building, or piece of land is one that is next to another one and is joined to it:
We had adjoining rooms at the hotel.