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
-
The group, which includes Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen, is becoming a forerunner in the promising progress of a new type of vehicle battery.
-
In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.
Noun
-
But just because our microbiome differs from our ancestors' doesn't mean reverting to an earlier model is better.
-
The range of Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary reflects the immediate, physical nature of my ancestors’ lives and work.
Noun
-
Sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean have topped daily warm records for more than 20 days in June, a precursor to what many scientists expect to be one of the strongest El Niño events on record.
-
Today, financial independence is often about knowledge—and career opportunity—as a precursor to power.
Cite this Entry
“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/granddaddy. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
