ANCIENTLY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

anciently

adverb

Definition of anciently

as in previously

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Example Sentences

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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

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel previously alleged that there were 44 victims throughout 2025.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
He had also previously been accused of targeting two homes in Orinda for burglary in April.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

That was a new record and only once before has the number of moves hit double figures.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Remember to wear certified eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer to protect your vision any time the sun’s light is on display before, during or after the eclipse, and follow these safety tips to protect your vision.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

First United Presbyterian formed a partnership with Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid) in 2019, looping in the nonprofit’s case workers to help execute and expand this thing that began as a humble bid to put words into action.

— Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Following the abrupt closure of Philadelphia’s University of the Arts in 2024, the development and design firm Scout purchased Furness Hall and Haviland Hall (formerly Hamilton Hall) buildings on campus, rebranding them as Village of Industry & Art.

— News Desk, Artforum, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

Bagherzadeh, who leads Iran’s armed forces’ missing persons search committee, earlier claimed that Qatar had held the three crew members for months after their planes were shot down early in the war.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Los Angeles likes to draft tight ends a year early, since the transition, mentally and physically, at this position and in this offense is so extreme.

— Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026