variants
also grandaddy
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the granddaddy of all English mystery novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 granddaddy
Yet now the granddaddy of philanthropic sporting events is being replaced by a sport actually popularized by granddaddies — pickleball.
—
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
The Mimslyn Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is the granddaddy of all Luray lodging.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
But some years, the granddaddy of all entertainment awards shows has had a distinctly Bay Area resonance.
—Culture Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026
Every year since 2003, the umbrella organization for quizzing outfits around the globe has put on the granddaddy of knowledge competitions.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
The Mimslyn Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is the granddaddy of all Luray lodging.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
But some years, the granddaddy of all entertainment awards shows has had a distinctly Bay Area resonance.
—Culture Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026
Every year since 2003, the umbrella organization for quizzing outfits around the globe has put on the granddaddy of knowledge competitions.
—Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for granddaddy
Noun
-
In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
While Bass remains widely viewed as the forerunner, recent polling suggests the race might be tightening heading into the final days before the June 2 primary.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Our ancestors—the hard-working, long-suffering peasant women who told these stories to each other and passed them down the generations through the oral tradition—knew everything there was to know about adversity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The contest also encouraged students to think of ways to prevent water pollution, and how our ancestors may have loved to save water.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Tort claims are typically filed as a precursor to a lawsuit.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2026
-
But the true precursor to the UFC Octagon might be the wrestling cage.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/granddaddy. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
