grandfather

noun

ˈgran(d)-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce grandfather (audio)
Definition of grandfathernext
as in father
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent this tradition has been passed down from our pioneer grandfathers

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 grandfather Jaida Hargrove's grandfather, Rick Arrate, lived alone on Peavine Mountain, which overlooks Reno and Sparks. — CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 After a brief stint at a boarding school in Kent, Audrey Hepburn returned to the Netherlands in 1939 and, together with her mother, settled in Arnhem and then in Velp, with her grandfather. — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026 The princess’s first name is the female version of Charles, and thus honors her grandfather King Charles. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026 Carnegie Deli continues today under the leadership of the brand’s CEO and third-generation owner Sarri Harper, who’s carrying on her grandfather Milton Parker’s legacy. — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grandfather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandfather
  1. father
  2. ancestor
Noun
  • The Dune star has five older half siblings from her father’s previous relationship.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His father, William Hawley, said legal action was the only way to get answers.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of father
Noun
  • Its rise also marks the beginning of the Hindu celebration of Pitru Paksha, during which worshippers perform rites to honor ancestors by offering prayers and food to past members of their families.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While Qingming focuses primarily on one’s own ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival extends offerings to wandering spirits and the unclaimed dead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancestor

Browse Nearby Words

grandeur
grandfather
grandfather clock
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Cite this Entry

“Grandfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandfather. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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