variants
also forbear
as in ancestor
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent
his forebears came to America on the Mayflower
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forebear
McBride is less interested in exploring another motivation for saving locks of hair: the particular sentimentalism that made people cherish the hair of loved ones, especially those who had died, or of honored forebears.
—
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Like his Condé forebears, Graydon had learned to weaponize exclusivity.
—Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Still, a modern 911 resembles its forebears not just in its silhouette, but in its purpose.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
This brood holds a special place in history, as its forebears were first recorded by the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony in 1634.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for forebear
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Like his Condé forebears, Graydon had learned to weaponize exclusivity.
—Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Still, a modern 911 resembles its forebears not just in its silhouette, but in its purpose.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
This brood holds a special place in history, as its forebears were first recorded by the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony in 1634.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for forebear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forebear
Noun
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The norm is for ancient dugouts found in southern Florida to be linked to ancestors of the Calusa, the Seminole or the Miccosukee, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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This provides excellent evidence that all life on Earth shares one common ancestor.—
Thomas Moynihan,
Big Think,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Their bodies were found with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied near their father's truck, court documents obtained by USA TODAY showed.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
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Syed’s reunion with his father is even more moving to watch now because the older man passed away about a year ago after a long illness.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Robinson’s father also recognized the weapon from news coverage as the same bolt-action rifle his son had inherited from his grandfather, according to court filings.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Her son only enjoyed the signs for a little while before his grandfather moved in in 2017.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forebear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forebear. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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