ANCIENTLY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

anciently

adverb

Definition of anciently

as in previously

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Dissimilar Words

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

Although Bridgers hasn’t previously covered Nirvana, her band boygenius did recreate the rock band’s iconic Rolling Stone 1994 cover image in 2023.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

Some could be worse than before, while others may not show up at all.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Kendrick only found out about the event a day before and was already prepping for the upcoming Jackson Street Block Party in honor of Gary native Michael Jackson’s birthday.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

Vanita Gupta, formerly Biden's associate attorney general and now director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at New York University's law school, is among them.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
On Thursday, Miss USA crowned Justus Kelley, formerly Miss Virginia, as its winner.

— Grey Battle, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

That projection is 79% higher than the bank’s estimate from a year earlier.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Tysie Gallagher, Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois beat Americans Brandi Robinson, Miranda Reyes and Amelia Moore, respectively, earlier in the night, while Reina Tellez defeated Jessica Barry for the United States’ only victory.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

Twenty years ago, Scott published her first novel, The Testing of Luther Albright, followed by a second, Traps, in 2013.

— Rebecca Johnson, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Somebody years ago should have realized NSA Bahrain could be attacked, its air defense might fail and it could be disabled in a long war.

— John Seiler, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026