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extinct forgotten gone gone-by in oblivion late of old of yore old-fashioned old-time olden oldfangled one-time out-of-date previous quondam sometime vanished water over the dam water under the bridge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

The workings of history often seem inevitable: Bygone decisions appear inescapable, and the viability of alternate pathways easily discounted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

Bygone eras called this moxie; whatever you’d call it now, its fuel jets Jessica across the Atlantic to take a job in London with her hairless, loll-tongued doggie in tow.

From Salon • Jul. 10, 2025

I knew about the recent glut of feminist biographies for young readers—your Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, your Bygone Badass Broads.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2019

Bygone glories rehashed with a touch of self-awareness — these are the rituals for many an aging rocker nearing the end of his career.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2014

But we will not, cannot, banish Bygone pleasure from our side, Nor will doubt, beyond the storm-cloud, Shall be Light at Eventide.

From Fifty-One Years of Victorian Life by Child-Villiers, Margaret Elizabeth Leigh

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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