as in ancestor
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent
the progenitors of today's Maya once ruled a mighty empire that stretched across much of Central America
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Recent Examples of progenitor
More often than not, the internet has been the progenitor of movements, changes, and trends in the real, physical world.
—
Makena Kelly, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024
One of the oldest progenitors of the style, the eatery was founded by Patsy Lancieri in 1933, and later begat other New York icons like Grimaldi’s and helped spawn a New York pizza renaissance that’s still very much alive.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024
This is Cliven, the 77-year-old progenitor of the resistance, father of seven sons and seven daughters, grandfather of 74, great-grandfather of 21.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
One outstanding question: Is the 2025 affordable Tesla the progenitor of the Cybercab?
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for progenitor 
Makena Kelly, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024
One of the oldest progenitors of the style, the eatery was founded by Patsy Lancieri in 1933, and later begat other New York icons like Grimaldi’s and helped spawn a New York pizza renaissance that’s still very much alive.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024
This is Cliven, the 77-year-old progenitor of the resistance, father of seven sons and seven daughters, grandfather of 74, great-grandfather of 21.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
One outstanding question: Is the 2025 affordable Tesla the progenitor of the Cybercab?
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for progenitor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for progenitor
Noun
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This year’s theme — A Whole Harvest Dining Experience — will involve meals that use an entire plant, as the ancestors of today’s Black chefs did.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2025
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During the Lunar New Year period, families and loved ones gather to eat traditional holiday foods and pay their respects to their ancestors.—
Brett Tingley,
Space.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mark Canlis will remain to run the restaurant that his grandfather opened in 1950, while Brian Canlis will move with his family to Nashville.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
5 Feb. 2025
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However, as established by his grandfather, there is no guarantee that age will play a factor.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Now over a year sober, Trace made a plea to his father after his inaugural performance sparked concern.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
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Like his father, 15-year-old Carlos Jr. can dodge punches and counterpunch.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near progenitor
Cite this Entry
“Progenitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progenitor. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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