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
But with relaxed censorship and a new governmental push to foster cinematic culture, the late 1990s saw the formation of the prolific South Korean auteurs best known internationally today—the forefathers of the New Korean Cinema.
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Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024
Their forefathers and descendants have been on this land for nearly 300 years starting as slaves on the plantations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024
Saudi Arabia hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, and its ruling family’s power stems from a bargain its forefathers made with a fundamentalist Sunni religious sect.
—David B. Roberts, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2016
Vernon is a Mescalero Apache in his early 30’s who knows the tribal mountains as intimately as did his forefathers.
—Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather 
Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024
Their forefathers and descendants have been on this land for nearly 300 years starting as slaves on the plantations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024
Saudi Arabia hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, and its ruling family’s power stems from a bargain its forefathers made with a fundamentalist Sunni religious sect.
—David B. Roberts, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2016
Vernon is a Mescalero Apache in his early 30’s who knows the tribal mountains as intimately as did his forefathers.
—Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forefather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forefather
Noun
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In another ironic twist, Kayce sells it for the ridiculously low price of $1.25 an acre, the original price his ancestors paid.Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024
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Hunting is usually instinctual behavior for cats, inherited from their wild ancestors, and while most domestic cats are pro hunters, others back off from this duty or kill prey and then leave it without eating it.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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His grandfather Campbell Forsyth made four appearances in goal for Scotland in 1964 and his father Stuart Burgess, also a defender, had a distinguished career in the Scottish leagues.Asif Burhan, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Jenna’s grandfather had just been scammed by someone claiming to be a detective, so Kara told Jenna to be cautious about giving out personal information or passwords.Taylor Galgano, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Vasquez grew up in the Philippines and credits his father for instilling in him a love of singing.Daniela Avila, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
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James and Elisabeth Murdoch are both known to have less-conservative political views than their father or brother, potentially complicating efforts to ensure that Fox News remains conservative.CBS News, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near forefather
Cite this Entry
“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forefather. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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