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

Moderna has said the FDA previously signed off on the trial design.

— Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Robinson previously arrested in Rancho Cordova case Robinson was previously arrested in May 2024 after Rancho Cordova police investigated a March 30, 2024, incident at a car wash on Sunrise Boulevard.

— Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

To date, Carlos Cordeiro, formerly Infantino’s senior advisor, is the only high-profile official to have quit.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Both men were formerly enslaved and had completed a course of theological training based on the Anglican tradition in Bombay (Mumbai) in preparation for the priesthood.

— Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

Tunsil suffered the injury early in practice, during one-on-ones between offensive and defensive linemen.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Store them in dedicated shoe bags Getting dirt and grime from your shoes on your clean clothes won’t end your trip early.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic more than six years ago, and the public health emergency ended in the US more than three years ago.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Fifty years ago, in 1966, the baseball landmark was demolished to make way for a shopping mall.

— Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026