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
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
But for real chills and scares, the granddaddy The Blair Witch Project still is the crown jewel.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
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
But for real chills and scares, the granddaddy The Blair Witch Project still is the crown jewel.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for granddaddy
Noun
-
Las Damas was founded in May 1948 and put on the Beachcomber’s Carnival, a forerunner of the Sunset Beach Art Festival, in July of that year.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
-
The brand was also a forerunner with exclusive collaborations.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
In a town in northern Peru, a teenager addicted to video games begins to desecrate the sacred ruins of his ancestors in search of money to continue playing.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
Scientists think that may have happened later when our ancestors intermingled with Denisovans.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
White filed a tort claim with the city in 2024; such a claim is a necessary precursor to a lawsuit against a government agency.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
15 May 2026
-
Flying through a mountain with steep drops and dark surprises, this most definitely feels like a precursor to Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds.—
Zachary Laks,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/granddaddy. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
