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extinct forgotten gone gone-by in oblivion late of old of yore old-fashioned old-time olden oldfangled one-time out-of-date previous quondam sometime vanished water over the dam water under the bridge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

The military’s orders have left Groton with a high-stakes challenge: how to resurrect a bygone era of military might in a far-flung seaside town short on workers, homes and transit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

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

“Britannia rules the waves” encapsulated Great Britain’s command of the seas in a bygone era, but it’s now an empty slogan indicting the British navy’s decline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

The sewing machine made a resounding clatter in the room; it was of a ponderous, bygone make.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

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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