ancients

noun

plural of ancient
as in elders
a person of advanced years ancients in the tribe are accorded great respect and valued for their wisdom

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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 ancients The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancients
  1. elders
  2. adults
Noun
  • And, a consistent thread over the years, many students were interested in learning from their elders – everything from family histories to intergenerational advice and tough conversations about grief.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Indigenous Australians use the titles ‘uncle’ and ‘aunt’ as marks of respect for community elders.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of elders
Noun
  • The cost of admission ($20 for adults) covers the cost of any games inside.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • School leaders say the arrangement gives children regular exposure to older adults while offering residents social engagement and a sense of purpose.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of adults

Browse Nearby Words

ancientness
ancients
ancillary
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Cite this Entry

“Ancients.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancients. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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