The term “ancestors” refers to one’s forebears or those from whom a person is descended. Antonyms for “ancestors” could include terms that describe descendants or future generations. Here are some antonyms for “ancestors” along with their meanings and examples:
- Descendants:
- Meaning: Those who are descended from a particular ancestor or group of ancestors.
- Example: The children and grandchildren of the family’s ancestors are considered descendants.
- Posterity:
- Meaning: All future generations of people, or the descendants of a person.
- Example: The decisions we make today will impact our posterity for generations to come.
- Progeny:
- Meaning: Offspring or descendants, especially with reference to their parentage.
- Example: The king was concerned about the well-being of his progeny and their succession to the throne.
- Offspring:
- Meaning: The immediate descendants of a person, animal, or plant.
- Example: The scientist studied the behavior of the offspring to understand how traits are passed down through generations.
- Heirs:
- Meaning: Those who are legally entitled to inherit the property or rank of another.
- Example: The will specified the heirs who would inherit the family estate after the patriarch’s passing.
- Successors:
- Meaning: Those who come after someone in a particular position, role, or title.
- Example: The new CEO and her team are the successors to the previous leadership.
These terms represent various aspects of the relationship between generations, whether it’s the immediate offspring, future generations, or those entitled to inherit.