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Definitions

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extinct forgotten gone gone-by in oblivion late of old of yore old-fashioned old-time olden oldfangled one-time out-of-date previous quondam sometime vanished water over the dam water under the bridge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.

It feels like a relic from a bygone age of simplicity: an entire season of reality TV hinging on the social lives of a group of unpolished teenagers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But for those of us with slightly earthier tastes, she remains the indelible Barbara Kean of the bygone, Batman-adjacent “Gotham.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Mero, in collaboration with fellow street artist Wild Life, has turned the blighted space into a fantastical haven with a knight, a dragon and more — a decaying castle from a bygone era.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

But they did produce fascinating scenes reminiscent of a bygone era, encapsulating the essence and charm of the FA Cup's history.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

They already knew a great deal about the prehistoric creatures that roamed the Serengeti in bygone years.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall