granddaddy

noun

ˈgran-ˌda-dē How to pronounce granddaddy (audio)
variants also grandaddy
Definition of granddaddynext
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

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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 Michaels called his final and record-tying 11th Super Bowl and was replaced by Mike Tirico on NBC, while the granddaddy contract of them all, Tom Brady’s $375 million monster, was inked. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for granddaddy
  1. forerunner
  2. ancestor
  3. precursor
Noun
  • Margaret and Alice are the forerunners of Lucy and Ethel, and Shakespeare’s comedy, written expressly to entertain, gives us a sense of what an Elizabethan-era situation comedy might look like.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • One of the forerunners today in Madeira and the Azores is António Maçanita from Azores Wine Company.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of forerunner
Noun
  • Its rise also marks the beginning of the Hindu celebration of Pitru Paksha, during which worshippers perform rites to honor ancestors by offering prayers and food to past members of their families.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While Qingming focuses primarily on one’s own ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival extends offerings to wandering spirits and the unclaimed dead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancestor
Noun
  • Losing to the Clippers was the precursor to the Jazz blowing up their team a year later; Utah only came out of hibernation this past summer.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But fantasy sports, an almost quaint precursor to the instantaneous forms of gambling proliferating now, remains hugely prevalent.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of precursor

Browse Nearby Words

granddaddies
granddaddy
grande dame
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Cite this Entry

“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/granddaddy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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