Synonyms for

Ancestors

Verb / ˈæˌnsestɜ:z / Another word for ancestors — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Ancestors are people in your family who lived a long time ago, such as your great-grandparents or even further back.

Synonyms & similar words

root ancestor descendant ascendant ascendent antecedent forefathers forebears foremothers progenitors forerunners predecessors ancestry lineage bloodline heritage clan tribe people kinsfolk relatives forefamilies forbears primogenitors antecedents

Synonyms by register

Formal

forebears predecessors forerunners

Informal

folks kin fam

Literary

elders lineage

Antonyms

descendants posterity successors heirs offspring progeny

Common collocations

  • distant ancestors
  • recent ancestors
  • ancient ancestors
  • our ancestors
  • ancestors of
  • ancestors' graves
  • ancestors' land
  • ancestors' traditions

Word family

noun ancestor
adjective ancestral

Usage note

Refers to people from whom one is descended. It is often used in plural form. 'Forebears' is a more formal synonym.

Example sentences

  1. I am proud of my ancestors.
  2. My ancestors came to America on a ship.
  3. I am learning about my family's ancestors in school.
  4. My ancestors lived in a different country.
  5. My ancestors were farmers.

Quotes

  • Honoring ancestors means honoring yourself.
  • Our ancestors are like the roots of a tree, providing us with stability and strength.
  • We are all the sum of our ancestors.

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