ANCESTRAL Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

ancestral

adjective

Definition of ancestral

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 With enough genomic data, computers can be used to reconstruct what are called ancestral recombination graphs that try to reconstruct this history. — ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 President Barack Obama designated the Bears Ears National Monument in 2016, after years of lobbying from tribal nations, many of which have deep ancestral and sacred ties to the area. — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 Several nations around the globe offer citizenship by descent, or ancestral passports, to individuals with a family connection to their country. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 The decision could have broad implications for descendants of Italian emigrants, particularly in North and South America, where large Italian diaspora communities have ancestral ties to Italy. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestral

Adjective

The Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs will follow in early July and then the series will shift to historic Saratoga for the Jim Dandy Stakes (late July, early August) and Travers Stakes (late August).

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
These pictorial cards also capture scenes along the Fox River, as well as schools, churches, hotels, historic buildings, bridges, the railroad, events and celebrations.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of historic

Adjective

Bulgari bathroom amenities, and hi-tech touches do not detract from the old-world charm of the warm wood paneling, soft silk wallpaper, and original oil paintings found throughout the hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
As long as the new event, and the new cars, can retain the old-world charm that made Singer a fixture at Goodwood for so many years in the first place.

— Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of old-world

Adjective

Legend has it, Sperlonga was a stop on Odysseus's journey, and a group of ancient sculptures depicting scenes from the Odyssey were found in the grotto adjacent to the villa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Atolls are formed by ancient volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs.

— NPR, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ancient

Adjective

On just one unchanging set, an old-time concert hall designed by Rachel Hauck and made appropriately ominous, a tiny ensemble enacts a whole Greek tragedy of love and sacrifice that goes from the land of the living to the underworld and back.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Beyond the coasters, Cedar Point evokes an old-time Americana spirit as the second-oldest amusement park in the country (the oldest being the delightful Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut).

— Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Definition of old-time

Adjective

The beauty lies in part to its gothic Ford Complex — funded by Henry Ford and his wife — and the many historical buildings that wound up earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

— Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
After all, household debt balances are elevated, borrowing costs are still expensive by historical standards and inflation is driving up the costs of just about everything, adding pressure to borrowers' budgets.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

The Indiana Fever — a habitual middle-of-the-pack franchise, 14 years removed from its only championship — have been on a hot streak on the court lately that has carried them up among the championship contenders.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
More often than not, nobody on that account team has run enough sovereign deployments to be able to distinguish a necessary requirement from a habitual one.

— Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of habitual

Adjective

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was spotted by plainclothes federal agents who observed odd behavior and subsequently contacted the Lomita Sheriff Department deputies.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
In honor of the upcoming movie, the All Roads Lead to Camp bus is touring across the country and bringing fans, new and old, into the world of Camp Rock, PEOPLE previously revealed exclusively.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

ancestors

ancestral

ancestress

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“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestral. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ancestral

adjective

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