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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Today, 55% of the city's residents have Middle Eastern ancestry, and the mayor, police chief, and schools superintendent are all Muslims of Arab descent. — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026 That includes not only your own personal memories and experiences, but also ancestry, imagination and empathy. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 Opponents warn a single ‘Jewish’ ethnic box oversimplifies diverse Jewish histories and risks echoing past government tracking, amid elevated antisemitism and debate over religion, ancestry and culture. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Yet their rules, fees, ancestry requirements, and political rights vary widely, risking turning a powerful idea into a collection of competing citizenship sales pitches. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 4 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
  • Better lineage improves simulation quality, which produces better model behavior, which generates better outcomes and richer feedback, strengthening governance by exposing the gaps previous cycles missed.
    — Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The clean, minimalist versions in the Philo lineage, think wool, clean seams, no hardware noise, are the ones that will age into wardrobe staples.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of lineage
Noun
  • Scotti has tried to find out from Fort Worth police if advanced DNA technology, known as forensic genetic genealogy, might move Gloria’s case forward.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Using genetic genealogy, the investigators determined the DNA was that of Frederick Tanzer, a doctor who in 1989 was the husband of Beatty’s best friend.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of genealogy
Noun
  • Its origin is as a thalassotherapy spa, and indeed the jet sprays and salt water baths with water straight from the Mediterranean are both invigorating and restorative.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In 2024, the sound of camel bells across the desert led visitors back to the Yellow River basin, introducing Songmont’s origins and roots.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of origin
Noun
  • Despite the talent and Dykes’ pedigree, the reality is that the hiring of offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis to replace Kendal Briles has been a dud.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That gives the shape a credible, slow-build pedigree rather than a viral origin story.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of pedigree
Noun
  • Aviation experts have marveled that the plane didn't crash after a descent so sharp that the rudder was torn away.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Vij was named the city’s next commissioner in February, becoming the first person of South Asian descent to hold the role.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of descent
Noun
  • The family described the teen as a fearless, curious and deeply imaginative young man with an ambitious spirit who inspired those around him.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Directed by Shen Chunyang and written by Ma Duo, the satirical family feature stars real-life comedic couple Shen Chunyang and Xiao Shenyang alongside Jia Bing and Yu Yang.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Belugas are worth millions of dollars for their public entertainment and breeding value.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • To the surprise of many, the species was recently found breeding as far north as the UK.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ancestry

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ancestry

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