ANCESTRY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

ancestry

noun

ˈan-ˌse-strē

Definition of ancestry

as in lineage

the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended a Cambodian immigrant who can trace her Khmer ancestry as far back as the 16th century

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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 ancestry Although some Hemings descendants have been fighting for recognition for decades, others learned of their ancestry from Kurin’s study. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026 Charland said people can trace their ancestry to the Hales as well as people with an interest in the Hale family genealogy are invited to revisit the family homestead. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026 Today, 55% of the city's residents have Middle Eastern ancestry, and the mayor, police chief, and schools superintendent are all Muslims of Arab descent. — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026 That includes not only your own personal memories and experiences, but also ancestry, imagination and empathy. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestry

Noun

Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Pieces created for Nanjing draw on the city’s own cultural lineage, from Qinhuai lanterns to yuhua stones.

— Li Jun, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of lineage

Noun

Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are related, according to a new genealogy report.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
The event included an announcement that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be donating $3 million toward the museum's construction and the creation of a genealogy center in it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of genealogy

Noun

For anyone who spends a lot of time online, the series’s AI origins are hard to miss.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Gerwig explained that the classic-rock warhorse matches her vision of the film, which adapts Lewis’ origin story for Narnia.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

El-Sayed, an American of Egyptian descent who would be the first Muslim senator if elected, has rankled at the GOP accusations, including in a recent TV interview.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Air traffic control approved the descent, and the plane began a right descending turn that increased sharply in rate until communications and data tracking were lost.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of descent

Noun

This is a powerful story of family, ambition and music, centered on artists whose influence has resonated across generations and around the world.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Bassam Abed said at least 10 residences housing some 300 families were reduced to rubble, and families were not given enough time to flee.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of family

Noun

That’s why the researchers say the tool could be useful for rescuing endangered species with a few individuals left—scientists could create fertile breeding pairs using just one male donor.

— Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
In other words, were people intentionally picking the most desirable plants for breeding?

— Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of breeding

Browse Nearby Words

ancestries

ancestry

anchor

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“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestry. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ancestry

noun

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