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

But that resulted in even bigger population shifts for the 5th Congressional District, which previously was based in central Tennessee.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
The promotional offer applies to a model that previously received detailed coverage in an independent New Atlas review.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

Heather is absolutely tickled and lets out a cackle, because that little bit surely hits even harder if the FBI has actually busted up one of your cast trips before.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
That kind of ongoing interaction with one’s own genomic data was simply not possible before.

— Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

Snap, the parent company that owns Snapchat, led the pack along with X, formerly known as Twitter, and Microsoft.

— Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Superhuman, the productivity company formerly known as Grammarly, agreed in June to acquire GPTZero for undisclosed terms.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

Max Buchanan hurt Starting Hurricanes right guard Max Buchanan sustained an apparent knee injury early in the second quarter.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Word of Kreiz’s joining Paramount trickled out earlier in the day, but Ellison had already decided to wait until after market close to announce it.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

The attacks followed a week of diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to get traction for negotiations on ending Moscow's invasion that began 4½ years ago.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Sarah Patton, a Compass agent familiar with the buildings, says that a few years ago, when hundreds of units were being marketed downtown, some buildings were making deals, but that’s rare.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ago

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“Anciently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anciently. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of anciently

adverb

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