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 Saka smashed home the penalty kick to extend England’s lead to 5-3 and became the fourth player ever to score a hat trick for England in men’s World Cup history. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Because of their history of poor sleep, people with insomnia may suffer from anxiety about getting inadequate sleep, which can then increase sleeplessness at night. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026 The 78-year-old music venue, still standing amid the crumbling history around it, including the construction of a subway stop next door, has hosted countless legends on its stage. — Karen Bliss, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2026 Still, the selection is largely pointed at the history and politics of the United States. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 18 July 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 first World Cup in North America for 32 years is generating record attendances, TV viewing figures, and revenues.
    — Chris Pope, Washington Post, 15 July 2026
  • Two Lionel Messi shows followed — including his setting of the all-time World Cup goals record.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of record
Noun
  • But often—thanks to the patience and skill of an editor who has figured out a chronology—along comes the answer.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • He is credited as the first and most significant contributor to South Florida archaeology of the time, classifying materials, recording 49 sites across Miami-Dade and making the first outline of a chronology of indigenous habitation.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of chronology
Noun
  • Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Some of the town’s earliest inhabitants are buried at the cemetery, giving a glimpse into the state’s colonial past.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of past
Noun
  • Associated Press writers Pan Pylas and Jill Lawless contributed to this story.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Especially since there are so many stories already inside the game with the campaign aspect.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • The platform has featured traditional adverts for bets, but CazéTV’s commentators have also promoted betting during the games, blending advertising with commentary of the action on the pitch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • At once pugnaciously combative and unreservedly sentimental, Landon chose to take the series out with a commentary on class revolt.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Definition of commentary
Noun
  • The ride service may contact parents and guardians of riders with teen accounts as well.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • That is also where the design's costs sit, and an honest account keeps them in view.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of account
Noun
  • Times staff writers Seema Mehta and Phil Willon contributed to this report.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The report argues that the museum has deemphasized America’s founding, noting the absence of major exhibits devoted to the Founding Fathers or key events of the American Revolution as the country marks its 250th anniversary.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of report
Noun
  • Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the PG-13 film chronicles Jackson's journey from the Jackson Five to his solo superstardom, concluding with his 1998 Bad tour.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The 13-track record chronicles the lifespan of a relationship, from the exuberance of initial infatuation to the whiplash of begging for affection from a partner that was once so easily enamored.
    — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on history

Nglish: Translation of history for Spanish Speakers

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