ANCIENTLY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

anciently

adverb

Definition of anciently

as in previously

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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 anciently Tell El-Fara’in, anciently known as Imet, was a significant urban and religious hub from the Middle Kingdom onward. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025 It was used anciently as a preservative, a seasoning, and medicinally for its antibacterial properties. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anciently

Adverb

In the underwater video, an adult female orca is seen holding onto a dead sharp-tail sunfish that the group had previously killed.

— Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Morrison helped lead the racist white supremacy campaign of 1898 that terrorized Black citizens and led to policies of segregation, The Observer previously reported.

— Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

Although it had never been used on a major-league pitcher before, the less invasive option meant Skubal would be able to return to throwing quickly.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Meanwhile, in another corner of the AI economy, the world's largest technology companies have committed nearly $700 billion to build data centers in 2026 alone, on top of $380 billion the year before.

— Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

Another woman who was formerly in a relationship with the suspect also released a statement after the indictment.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Green transferred to Mizzou after starting out at Oklahoma, while Hardy formerly starred for Louisiana-Monroe — but now both are firmly entrenched at MU under head coach Eli Drinkwitz.

— The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

First, though, Redemption has a strong lineup of matches, headlined by Kenny Omega defending the AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight in a match made earlier this month.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Henry Gardner, the director of a body that oversees the Coliseum’s affairs, said Saturday that Oakland Roots SC had missed its deadline a day earlier to make good on a defaulted lease payment.

— Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

Miami’s skyline is rapidly changing, with a downtown skyscraper boom that was set in motion a decade ago after the Federal Aviation Authority began approving projects set at a new maximum allowable height of 1,049 feet.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
This match is the latest notable step forward for a women’s setup that was in effect mothballed just a decade ago due to a lack of funds.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026