next to

next to
ˈnext to 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.
     

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. | 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. | 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. | Weymouth is a pretty little town by the sea. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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.