FOREBEAR Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

forebear

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌber

variants also forbear

Definition of forebear

as in ancestor

a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent his forebears came to America on the Mayflower

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of forebear First our forebears began to imitate peers learned behaviors, creating group norms that supported coordinated work. — Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 Plant paid special attention to forebears and contemporaries. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026 Harking back to its Jurassic forbear, The End of Oak Street channels everyone's favorite '80s Amblin classics, but with a far more vicious bite. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 Some of his forebears emigrated before the genocide; others barely got out. — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for forebear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forebear

Noun

Very charming to think of our ancient ancestors getting the munchies.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Throughout the region, remains of 5,500 ancestors that were displaced have been made available for return to the Tohono O’odham Nation, according to ProPublica’s NAGPRA database.

— Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of ancestor

Noun

Her grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the SS United States and played a major role in bringing the historic vessel to life.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
As a search party combed through the South Carolina woods near the home of the baby’s grandfather, a patch of freshly disturbed dirt covered with pine straw caught their attention.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of grandfather

Noun

Known for his confidence and aggressive playing style, Sears says his father has taught him the importance of staying humble and grounded despite his success.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Rahul, with the priest by his side, empties his father’s ashes into the river.

— Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of father

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forebear

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“Forebear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forebear. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of forebear

noun

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