ancestry

noun

ˈan-ˌse-strē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
Definition of ancestrynext
as in lineage
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended a Cambodian immigrant who can trace her Khmer ancestry as far back as the 16th century

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ancestry Three years later, Harvard is still giving another group a preference based on ancestry. — Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Theroux’s Canadian odyssey begins on a personal note, with a history of his French Canadian ancestry. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026 Although some Hemings descendants have been fighting for recognition for decades, others learned of their ancestry from Kurin’s study. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026 Charland said people can trace their ancestry to the Hales as well as people with an interest in the Hale family genealogy are invited to revisit the family homestead. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestry
  1. lineage
  2. genealogy
  3. origin
  4. pedigree
  5. descent
  6. family
  7. breeding
Noun
  • Some ancestral lineages diverged roughly 21,000 years ago, according to the review.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Say Now joins an extensive lineage of British girl groups — from Spice Girls, Sugababes, and Girls Aloud to Little Mix and their more contemporary peers Flo.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of lineage
Noun
  • The forensic department at Oklahoma State University then took over genealogy profiling, according to Rouse.
    — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Lichtman's discovery highlights the role of JewishGen, one of the world's largest online resources for Jewish genealogy.
    — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of genealogy
Noun
  • For anyone who spends a lot of time online, the series’s AI origins are hard to miss.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gerwig explained that the classic-rock warhorse matches her vision of the film, which adapts Lewis’ origin story for Narnia.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of origin
Noun
  • This example comes with provenance to match its racing pedigree, including a letter from Elford confirming his ownership.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The new acquisitions come with strong awards and festival pedigree.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of pedigree
Noun
  • El-Sayed, an American of Egyptian descent who would be the first Muslim senator if elected, has rankled at the GOP accusations, including in a recent TV interview.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Air traffic control approved the descent, and the plane began a right descending turn that increased sharply in rate until communications and data tracking were lost.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of descent
Noun
  • But others criticized the tactics used and family separations.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • To support the Rose family, those interested can contribute to a GoFundMe.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • That’s why the researchers say the tool could be useful for rescuing endangered species with a few individuals left—scientists could create fertile breeding pairs using just one male donor.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, were people intentionally picking the most desirable plants for breeding?
    — Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of breeding

Browse Nearby Words

ancestries
ancestry
anchor
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Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestry. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ancestry

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