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

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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 Either way, prospective owners should research both the current rules and the regulatory history of a market before entering the short-term rental market, says Long. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026 Rooted in raw reality but told through poetic fiction, James Baldwin’s masterwork attends a day in the life of 14-year-old John Grimes and the awakenings, histories, and stories that shape his life. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Inspired by Chelsea’s rich artistic, literary, and musical heritage, the interiors layer texture, color, and history with remarkable restraint. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 At 38, his best days are clearly behind him, but his place in Braves history is secure. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 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
  • But only one character provided an enigmatic answer when asked about their past this episode, and that’s Sheriff Kane.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time, Monken and everyone atop the Browns’ organization are being forced to publicly confront the fact that Watson represents more of this team’s rancid past than anything to do with a future-facing program.
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of past
Noun
  • Read More TopicsVenice Film Festival Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Still, state media have been highlighting stories about cafes and other businesses being forced to close for failing to enforce rules on clothing.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Rampage Jackson, who is on commentary for the event, pointed out that Wheels will likely need surgery.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Thus, Saturday’s broadcast went without traditional play-by-play commentary.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of commentary
Noun
  • The surge in public interest in the case has resulted in a wave of online scrutiny aimed at someone who by all accounts, is not a suspect.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The account marks a sharp turn from where Hansen left things only days earlier.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of account
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the national median rent was $1,388 per month as of July 2026, according to a separate report from apartment search platform Apartment List.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Relatives of sailors on board the carrier have described reports of deteriorating conditions and morale.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 24 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
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Cite this Entry

“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/history. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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