progenitor

[proh-jen-i-ter] / proʊˈdʒɛn ɪ tər /

NOUN

forebear

Synonyms

STRONG

ancestor begetter parent precursor predecessor primogenitor

Antonyms

STRONG

descendant

NOUN

parent

Synonyms

STRONG

ancestor forefather founder originator precursor sire

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.

But it began in 1993 with “Abraham,” progenitor of the Abrahamic religions and the co-star of “The Faithful.”

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

He could be the progenitor of a new look, a Christian Dior for the modern woman.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

These signals help immature progenitor T cells develop into fully differentiated T cells.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2025

They detached from the ventricular zone more often and were more likely to become basal progenitor cells instead.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

It makes the progenitor of all this group of insecticides, DDT, seem by comparison almost harmless.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson