granddaddy

variants also grandaddy
as in ancestor
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the granddaddy of all English mystery novels

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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 granddaddy Also part of this collection is hats, jackets and socks all paying homage to the granddaddy of American guitars. Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024 In October 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre birthed Leatherface, arguably the granddaddy of all celluloid slashers, and radically altered the landscape of horror cinema forevermore. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 While Disney is the granddaddy of all movie licensors, rated the number one top global brand licensing company by License Global bringing in some $62 million last year, NBCUniversal is a few steps behind, ranked as the number six biggest licensing generator. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 For the first time since the Oscars were first televised in 1953, the 2025 edition of the granddaddy of all award shows will stream live on Hulu for all subscribers, in addition to airing live on ABC. Paul Grein, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for granddaddy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for granddaddy
Noun
  • Like all Guna, Lisa’s ancestors were not native island dwellers.
    Mark Johanson, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Water bottle The modern-day source of water for many people—their water bottle—may be just as germ-filled as our ancient ancestors’ go-to watering hole.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, VistaVision was the forerunner of IMAX 65mm, with its horizontal orientation.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The company plans to recreate the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, by editing the genome of each species’ closest living relative to make a hybrid animal that would be visually indistinguishable from its extinct forerunner.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This breaks from tradition, as many of Pope Francis' predecessors have been buried inside the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, Reuters reported.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Before the Papacy As pope, he was noted to have an openness to his decision-making that differed from his papal predecessors.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Granddaddy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/granddaddy. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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