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 work provided some vindication to one of the forefathers of coregonine research, Walter Koeltz.
—
Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
There’s a reason our forefathers placed limits on the military’s role in domestic affairs.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 6 Dec. 2024
Our forefathers founded this country, and our grandfathers fought and died, and people are still fighting and dying for our right to argue.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather 
Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
There’s a reason our forefathers placed limits on the military’s role in domestic affairs.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 6 Dec. 2024
Our forefathers founded this country, and our grandfathers fought and died, and people are still fighting and dying for our right to argue.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forefather
Noun
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Franklin’s immediate ancestors grew up in a world where the fear of witchcraft led to tragic consequences.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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An Africa that would leave our ancestors speechless, unable to comprehend the magnitude of our joy and freedom.—
Laurel Dalrymple,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Inside of the garage was the 1966 Triumph Tiger Cub motorcycle that his grandfather had left him as a memento.—
Gavin Feek,
Outside Online,
13 Jan. 2025
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In her personal life, Nona is the mother of at least one child, a son named Nolan Pentz, whose middle name is shared with his famous grandfather.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Janice had moved her young family there after Combs’ father Melvin was murdered in 1972.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
9 Jan. 2025
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Klint Kubiak, Saints offensive coordinator Stefanski worked with both Kubiak and Kubiak’s father, Gary, in Minnesota.—
Zac Jackson,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near forefather
Cite this Entry
“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forefather. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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