1
as in grandfather
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent
Bridie's Irish ancestors immigrated to the United States in the 19th century during the Great Potato Famine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
pinball machines—the ancestors of today's video games—go back to the 19th century
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ancestor
Capes were an homage to the ones worn by his shepherd ancestors, who practiced transhumance in the Caucasus for centuries, reworked by Gassanoff in a sheer chiffon-like fabric or in a thick wool version, both with very structured silhouettes.
—
Alberto Calabrese, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Another ancestor had been on the Hudson River, in 1804, when Alexander Hamilton was being rowed back to Manhattan after his duel with Aaron Burr.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Hungary Hungary offers an expedited process, particularly for those with Hungarian-speaking ancestors, according to International Living’s report.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
In the roughly three decades prior to 2024, the Columbus institution had returned fewer than 20 ancestors to tribes.
—Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ancestor
Alberto Calabrese, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Another ancestor had been on the Hudson River, in 1804, when Alexander Hamilton was being rowed back to Manhattan after his duel with Aaron Burr.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Hungary Hungary offers an expedited process, particularly for those with Hungarian-speaking ancestors, according to International Living’s report.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
In the roughly three decades prior to 2024, the Columbus institution had returned fewer than 20 ancestors to tribes.
—Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ancestor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestor
Noun
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This recipe is familiar yet revolutionary at the same time, just like your grandfather's stories.—
Mary Alice Russell,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
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Pulte, whose grandfather founded the nation’s third-largest homebuilder, PulteGroup, said that privatizing the two companies is not the Trump administration’s top priority this time around.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In 1914, Frank Newman opened the Royal Theatre which was a forerunner to movie palaces in the city, a significant departure from nickelodeons.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
28 Feb. 2025
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Hammond, the school’s forerunner, won its fourth straight 3A sectional title in 2008.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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After an illness and financial mismanagement force his father to accept early retirement, the family relocates from a suburban town to the countryside.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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His father was an addict, which was exacerbated by gambling’s legalization in his home state.—
Adam Hudacek,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Planned a year in advance, essentially right after the previous Oscars ceremony has wrapped, the glamorous precursor to Hollywood’s biggest night comes together thanks to a production team filled with hard-working, movie-loving craftspeople.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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The polyp stage is a precursor to the medusa stage, Folino-Rorem said, when jellyfish are more visible.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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His predecessor, former President Biden, attended all of the dinners during his four-year term.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
15 Mar. 2025
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Earlier this week, Intel announced Tan was filling the role left vacant when the board ousted his predecessor, Pat Gelsinger.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Californian EV startup Telo just revealed a functional prototype of its MT1 mini-truck at an in-person event in Los Angeles.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Mar. 2025
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Agencies including the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce and even HUD have been involved in a study, a prototype and a working group in recent years.—
Jesse Coburn,
ProPublica,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ancestor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestor. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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