as in ancestor
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent
our forefathers bought this farm, and our family has worked it for three generations
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Recent Examples of forefather
The work provided some vindication to one of the forefathers of coregonine research, Walter Koeltz.
—
Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
There’s a reason our forefathers placed limits on the military’s role in domestic affairs.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 6 Dec. 2024
Our forefathers founded this country, and our grandfathers fought and died, and people are still fighting and dying for our right to argue.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather 
Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
There’s a reason our forefathers placed limits on the military’s role in domestic affairs.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 6 Dec. 2024
Our forefathers founded this country, and our grandfathers fought and died, and people are still fighting and dying for our right to argue.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forefather
Noun
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An Africa that would leave our ancestors speechless, unable to comprehend the magnitude of our joy and freedom.—
Laurel Dalrymple,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
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Franklin’s immediate ancestors grew up in a world where the fear of witchcraft led to tragic consequences.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Patrick Mahomes’ grandfather has entered hospice, the Chiefs MVP quarterback’s mother revealed Friday morning.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Jan. 2025
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Read More: What to Know About Trump’s Order on Birthright Citizenship and the Legal Battle Around It Seventy years ago, my grandfather, Arturo Martinez, left the small town of Buga, Colombia, to pursue a science degree in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.—
Paola Mendoza,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The trouble began when the OP reserved a shaded table for her elderly father, who had recently undergone surgery.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
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His father was found not guilty of malice murder but guilty on the other eight counts.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near forefather
Cite this Entry
“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forefather. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
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