ancestral

adjective

Definition of ancestralnext
as in historic

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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 ancestral Representatives from two local tribes draw a parallel between the gather and past efforts to expel their people from their ancestral lands, and say the horses are intertwined with their culture. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 All of this plays out against the gorgeous backdrop of the Fairley ancestral home (played by Broughton Hall in north Yorkshire) and a glorious assortment of lavish costumes. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026 As of April, Sacramento State had repatriated 89% of ancestral remains and 78% of cultural items. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 The new curriculum teaches Israel as the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, wading into longstanding politics between Jewish people and Palestinians. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestral
  1. historic
  2. old-world
  3. ancient
  4. old-time
  5. historical
  6. habitual
  7. old
Adjective
  • The historic 1920s tower that once housed the beloved Ace Hotel is entering a new era just in time for the summer.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • As a potentially historic heat wave hits Philadelphia, many fans made cooling off their first priority during Wednesday's Phillies game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Inside, its 69 rooms and suites blend chalet coziness with old-world elegance, many offering postcard-worthy views of the Matterhorn.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026
  • Driven by a growing panic over fast-evolving Chinese tech competitors, the old-world rivals are abandoning the tradition of corporate secrecy.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
Definition of old-world
Adjective
  • That verdant vista of a piece of ancient, intricate architecture centered me in storied Osaka and proved a delightfully consistent through line for my stay.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • This phenomenon of gravitational lensing has been used to great effect to study ancient galaxies that would usually be too distant and faint to see when they are gravitationally lensed by foreground galaxy clusters.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • An adventure with worms, good fat juicy old-time earthworms, moist and sexy and leaving their mucus on you.
    — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • This old-time favorite is always a good idea.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
Definition of old-time
Adjective
  • The calendar includes America's Block Party events, festivals, historical programs, exhibits and community gatherings scheduled across the country.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This was a historical diagnosis for deaths attributed to old age in the early 1900s.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Duchamp’s habitual skepticism had the salutary effect of returning us to first principles.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
  • When complaint becomes habitual, one’s attention might automatically drift toward problems; the neural path is well trod.
    — James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of habitual
Adjective
  • The infant, who is 9 months old, was rescued along with her mother, the State Department told Fox News Digital.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • While students honed their skills at the Santa Monica studio for the last year and four months, Blanck found an old pilates studio in Pacific Highlands for rent, but the numbers just didn't add up.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

ancestors
ancestral
ancestress
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Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestral. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ancestral

Nglish: Translation of ancestral for Spanish Speakers

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