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
Relevance
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
However, about 20 percent of his ancestry came from the Fertile Crescent, the region in the Middle East that includes Mesopotamia.
—
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025
The country sent 122,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans, 11,500 people of German ancestry and 3,000 people of Italian ancestry into relocation camps across the U.S.
Meanwhile, FBI agents, along with local law enforcement officials, fanned out across Latin America and began making arrests.
—Joann Deluna, NPR, 30 June 2025
In an address last month in the northeastern state of San Luis Potosí, Sheinbaum called on U.S. residents of Mexican ancestry — both immigrants and those born in the United States — to send letters, emails and social media messages to Congress urging lawmakers to vote against the remittance tax.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
The results give key findings from over 265 health tests, identify over 365 dog breeds, and provide insights into genetics and ancestry.
—Molly Higgins, Wired News, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ancestry
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025
The country sent 122,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans, 11,500 people of German ancestry and 3,000 people of Italian ancestry into relocation camps across the U.S.
Meanwhile, FBI agents, along with local law enforcement officials, fanned out across Latin America and began making arrests.
—Joann Deluna, NPR, 30 June 2025
In an address last month in the northeastern state of San Luis Potosí, Sheinbaum called on U.S. residents of Mexican ancestry — both immigrants and those born in the United States — to send letters, emails and social media messages to Congress urging lawmakers to vote against the remittance tax.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
The results give key findings from over 265 health tests, identify over 365 dog breeds, and provide insights into genetics and ancestry.
—Molly Higgins, Wired News, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ancestry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancestry
Noun
-
To be Korean in GO is a matter neither of lineage nor of citizenship, Roh argues.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
11 July 2025
-
Not equal to artists working in a lineage descended from the Greeks and Romans.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Everything from genome sequencing to clinical diagnoses, crime solving, genealogy tests and genetic engineering uses DNA polymerase.—
James F. Holden,
The Conversation,
21 July 2025
-
Only three states have set limits on how law enforcement may use genetic genealogy.—
July 13,
CBS News,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
The origin story behind the ice cream sundae comes swirled with mystery, history, as well as chocolate and even a cherry on top.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
-
Ward recalled the origin story of when the DCC head, Kelli Finglass, realized that an updo would be best for her during games.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
But several players on Denver’s roster don’t come with that kind of pedigree and enter training camp fighting for their football lives.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
21 July 2025
-
Li may not boast the major-winning pedigree of his American counterpart, but the world No. 111 has history at The Open.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
-
Maternal mortality remains worst where women of African descent predominate.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The Simon family has acquired at least six properties surrounding Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the past three years, counting these two latest purchases.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
25 July 2025
-
As a victim services coordinator, Churchill connects families mourning the loss of a loved one with resources like funeral assistance, counseling and financial services.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Harris nurtured a steadfast passion for horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry in Northern California, according to friends and family.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
-
The Zoological Society of London has been contributing to Saudi Arabia’s long-term sand gazelle breeding, captive management, reintroduction and monitoring efforts.—
Indrabati Lahiri,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancestry. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share