The phrase "next older" is often used to describe something or someone that is older than another thing or person, but not necessarily significantly so. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including "slightly older," "marginally older," "moderately older," or even "just a little bit older." Other options might include "senior to," "preceding," or "earlier than." Choosing the right synonym for "next older" can depend on the context in which it is being used, as well as the degree of difference in age between the two objects or individuals being compared. Overall, there are many ways to convey the idea of something or someone being slightly older than another, making it important to consider the specific nuances of each term before making a final choice.