history

noun

ˈhi-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce history (audio)
Definition of historynext
1
as in annals
an account of important events in the order in which they happened a history of the American civil rights movement during the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in chronology
a relating of events usually in the order in which they happened we heard the whole history of her illness in excruciating detail

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in past
the events or experience of former times history has many lessons to teach us, if only we would listen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 history The obligatory weekly hour-long class was introduced in September 2022 to promote the Kremlin’s views on patriotism and Russian history including the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Leaning on Killian’s strong history in athletics, the program centers on the growing, multi-trillion-dollar business of sports. — Austin Horn august 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 In this context, talking about American support for a future two-state solution, as many politicians in both parties continue to do, is like musing about an alternative history. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 Never Too Late Baseball history is littered with unsung heroes who come through in the most unlikely moments. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for history
Recent Examples of Synonyms for history
  1. record
  2. chronology
  3. past
  4. story
  5. commentary
  6. account
  7. report
  8. chronicle
Noun
  • The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.
    — Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In July, Six Flags Over Texas debuted its one of a kind Tormenta Rampaging Run, the first ever giga-dive coaster that broke six world records.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of record
Noun
  • Over in Marvel’s territory, the X-Men had their whole chronology readjusted when a time-traveling mutant killed off Professor Charles Xavier, allowing Apocalypse to run rampant.
    — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Revealing the strategy, agility, confidence and resilience will outshine chronology.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of chronology
Noun
  • Virtually any object with a connection to King’s past was worth keeping.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In races across the country, former GOP politicians are leaning into their pasts.
    — Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of past
Noun
  • Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.
    — Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.
    — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Fed chairman, who took office in May for a four-year term, has so far shared very little commentary on the state of the economy or policy outlook.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of commentary
Noun
  • Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of more than $50 million in cash seized from various accounts related to Ahmed, as well as two Rolls-Royces, a Lamborghini, a Mercedes and three luxury properties in Houston.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of account
Noun
  • Some Republicans have expressed alarm about the findings in the report, which was filed under seal and withheld from the public by the courts.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Rogue OpenAI agents’ unprecedented coordination during the Hugging Face attack significantly increases the risk of AI escaping human control, analysts said, days after investigators released a bombshell report into the incident.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of report
Noun
  • The film chronicles Oliver’s early years as a writer, the people and places that shaped her work and the celebrated poetry that eventually earned her widespread recognition.
    — Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The record was very much a chronicle of a relationship — beginning, middle and end.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of chronicle

Browse Nearby Words

histories
history
histrionic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/history. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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