ANCIENTLY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

anciently

adverb

Definition of anciently

as in previously

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of anciently Tell El-Fara’in, anciently known as Imet, was a significant urban and religious hub from the Middle Kingdom onward. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025 It was used anciently as a preservative, a seasoning, and medicinally for its antibacterial properties. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anciently

Adverb

Although Bridgers hasn’t previously covered Nirvana, her band boygenius did recreate the rock band’s iconic Rolling Stone 1994 cover image in 2023.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

Vanita Gupta, formerly Biden's associate attorney general and now director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at New York University's law school, is among them.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
On Thursday, Miss USA crowned Justus Kelley, formerly Miss Virginia, as its winner.

— Grey Battle, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of formerly

Adverb

That projection is 79% higher than the bank’s estimate from a year earlier.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Tysie Gallagher, Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois beat Americans Brandi Robinson, Miranda Reyes and Amelia Moore, respectively, earlier in the night, while Reina Tellez defeated Jessica Barry for the United States’ only victory.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

In addition to modular dorms, there are many large glass buildings in the Dysonplex (as Allure’s former senior writer Brennan Kilbane dubbed it after his own visit six years ago).

— Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Only once has the make-up of the WSL’s top four changed since United entered the league in 2019 — when Liverpool, under the late Matt Beard, finished fourth two years ago.

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026