ancestral

adjective

Definition of ancestralnext
as in historic

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Example Sentences

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 ancestral Nikkhah reported that the Sussexes likely made an under-the-radar visit to Althorp, Princess Diana's ancestral home, where they were believed to have visited her resting place. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 The landscape contains ancestral villages, ceremonial and burial sites and features in some tribes’ creation and migration stories. — ABC News, 13 July 2026 Not far away lay a replica Viking longship, a smaller version of the vessel used by their spiritual and ancestral kin to explore and raid from North America to North Africa a millennium earlier. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 As a genealogist, Baxter has helped over 150 people trace their ancestral roots through her organization Our Genetic Legacy, a nonprofit committed to uncovering the hidden histories of Black and Indigenous people. — Amara Evering, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestral
  1. historic
  2. old-world
  3. ancient
  4. old-time
  5. historical
  6. habitual
  7. old
Adjective
  • Though the team failed to advance to the knockout round, its historic run inspired an outpouring of national pride, while uniting Haitians at home and abroad.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The port lies near the historic village of Tis, where archaeological remains date back to at least 2500 BCE.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Combing through the aisles of your local antique market isn't the only way to score a rug with old-world character.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
  • But its old-world sense of adventure, thanks to direct access to the Golden Outback—the western region of the country’s vast interior, with ties to the gold rush of the late 1800s—has remained.
    — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of old-world
Adjective
  • These fashion houses interpreted the pearls as decorative elements with both ancient and ultramodern appeal.
    — Selene Oliva, Glamour, 13 July 2026
  • Elizabeth Pupo-Walker on percussion, who found an old ancient rusted paper cutter at Concord and loved the sound of it, so that’s on there at the beginning off .
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 13 July 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • An adventure with worms, good fat juicy old-time earthworms, moist and sexy and leaving their mucus on you.
    — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • This old-time favorite is always a good idea.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
Definition of old-time
Adjective
  • There are historical examples of teams that seemed dead in the water only to catch fire and make the playoffs.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • The interest is less in reproducing historical jewelry — no one is asking clients to dress like Julius Caesar — than in giving contemporary pieces the patina, uniqueness and narrative of objects that appear to have lived another life.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Separately, a large body of research led by psychologist James Gross links habitual emotional suppression to higher long-term rates of depression and anxiety.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Another kind of diplomacy Not a habitual critic of China, Hu describes himself as deeply patriotic and believes Chinese leadership remains committed to reform and opening.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of habitual
Adjective
  • The 19-year-old also said that France should fear Spain due to Spain’s recent success against Les Bleus.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The 29-year-old signed with San Francisco in free agency on a one-year, $12-million contract.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

ancestors
ancestral
ancestress
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Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestral. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ancestral

Nglish: Translation of ancestral for Spanish Speakers

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