1
as in grandfather
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent
Bridie's Irish ancestors immigrated to the United States in the 19th century during the Great Potato Famine
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
pinball machines—the ancestors of today's video games—go back to the 19th century
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ancestor
The mountain is considered by the Māori to be among their ancestors, and the tribe will work with government officials to assume its care.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Matisse says one thing ingrained in family members was not trading on the famous last name of their ancestor.
—Martha Shade, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Much like today, sheep provided our ancestors with items like meat, milk, and weather-protective fabric made from their wool.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The Lunar New Year also is an important occasion for spending time with family and to pay respects to ancestors and older family members.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ancestor 
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Matisse says one thing ingrained in family members was not trading on the famous last name of their ancestor.
—Martha Shade, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Much like today, sheep provided our ancestors with items like meat, milk, and weather-protective fabric made from their wool.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The Lunar New Year also is an important occasion for spending time with family and to pay respects to ancestors and older family members.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ancestor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestor
Noun
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Trump, whose grandfather is President Donald Trump, played during the weekend tournament, while Woods opted to not participate competitively after recently losing his mother.—
Mikelle Street,
WWD,
18 Feb. 2025
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Kenney’s achievement came after his grandfather Tim Reid died at the age of 61 earlier this month.—
Dave Melton,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While Cal State Fullerton isn’t the first campus to launch a Project Rebound program, the university has been among the forerunners in its expansion, becoming a model for Project Rebound programs at the other universities in the CSU system.—
Lou Ponsi,
Orange County Register,
28 Jan. 2025
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Each night, Americans were reminded of the crisis on TV, as ABC created nightly reports called America Held Hostage with Ted Koppel, the forerunner to Nightline.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
29 Dec. 2024
Noun
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After his father's death, Ford developed alcoholism, according to his first wife and friends.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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In 1991, Steve Tisch’s father, Robert, became a co-owner after negotiating a 50% stake in the team.—
Ben Church,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Humidity Think of humidity as the precursor to mold and mildew.—
Rabekah Henderson,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2025
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Predicting earthquakes is not scientifically possible, and experts cannot determine definitively whether the seismic activity between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos is a precursor to a significantly larger earthquake, or is part of weeks or months of small or moderate intensity quakes.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In business, every campaign or product draws inspiration from its predecessors.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2025
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In 2020, Trump sanctioned chief prosecutor Karim Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, over her decision to open an inquiry into war crimes committed by all sides, including the U.S., in Afghanistan.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The prototype, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a concept the motorsports organization showed off last year, features a tri-motor powertrain that makes over 1,300 hp.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2025
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The second prototype, value material royalties, simply places value over product in novel ways, while the third solution explores circular fashion hubs.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near ancestor
Cite this Entry
“Ancestor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestor. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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