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 boy’s sensitivities — and love of reading — mark him out for a different path than the field work of his forefathers.
—
Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
The British Last Week Tonight host, who previously served as a writer and correspondent on The Daily Show for seven years, returned during Monday's episode to jokingly celebrate the country becoming just like its forefather.
—EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Our noble forefathers consented to hang anyone who messed with the currency.
—Nathan Lewis, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
As many scientists point out, Hippocrates helped lay the foundations for modern neurology and can be considered its forefather.
—Maria Bolevich, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forefather
Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
The British Last Week Tonight host, who previously served as a writer and correspondent on The Daily Show for seven years, returned during Monday's episode to jokingly celebrate the country becoming just like its forefather.
—EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Our noble forefathers consented to hang anyone who messed with the currency.
—Nathan Lewis, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
As many scientists point out, Hippocrates helped lay the foundations for modern neurology and can be considered its forefather.
—Maria Bolevich, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forefather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forefather
Noun
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Like all Guna, Lisa’s ancestors were not native island dwellers.—
Mark Johanson,
AFAR Media,
22 Apr. 2025
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Water bottle The modern-day source of water for many people—their water bottle—may be just as germ-filled as our ancient ancestors’ go-to watering hole.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Given his grandfather’s negative views on homosexuality, Min has not yet discussed being gay with his grandmother.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Her family is from the Bahamas, and Bowe's 92-year-old grandfather traveled to Texas to watch her launch to space.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At the time of their father’s death, Colton and McKenna were just 8 and 6 years old, respectively.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Wisconsin woman sells home, travels full-time after personal loss Ashley Kay sold her home, bought a truck and embarked on an adventure across North and South America following her father's unexpected death.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forefather. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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