bygone

[bahy-gawn, -gon] / ˈbaɪˌgɔn, -ˌgɒn /

ADJECTIVE

in the past

Synonyms

STRONG

ancient dead departed former lost

WEAK

antiquated archaic belated dated defunct down memory lane erstwhile extinct forgotten gone gone-by in oblivion late of old of yore old-fashioned old-time olden oldfangled one-time out-of-date previous quondam sometime vanished water over the dam water under the bridge

Antonyms

STRONG

alive existent existing living

WEAK

modern new recent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As many noted, the instantly iconic photo of Hughes looks and feels like a throwback to a bygone era.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Section 122, the basis for his new tax plan, is a relic of a bygone age.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

"In bygone eras, dads and uncles would show young people how things are done," said the 52-year-old.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Kikuo and Shunsuke revere kabuki’s bygone giants, who are affixed with that moniker.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

“The sword must lie buried with Martin. You would have little use for the dusty bones of a bygone hero. A simple deduction, even for one as old as I am.”

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing bygone

Ancient Wisdom: Synonyms for "Old"

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Tolkien Reading Day, List 7

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Merle Haggard (1937-2016) Tribute List

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