since

[sins] / sɪns /

ADVERB

in the time past; because

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afterward ago already later therefore

WEAK

after as because considering for from hence now past subsequently whereas

CONJUNCTION

in the time past; because

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afterward ago already later therefore

WEAK

after as because considering for from hence now past subsequently whereas

PREPOSITION

because

Synonyms

WEAK

after all as by reason of considering for forasmuch as in consideration of in view of inasmuch as insomuch as on account of seeing that

PREPOSITION

between the present and a previous time

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ago

WEAK

after following from the time of subsequent to until now

PREPOSITION

in the time past; because

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afterward ago already later therefore

WEAK

after as because considering for from hence now past subsequently whereas

Usage

What are other ways to say since? The conjunctions as and since suggest a reason for an occurrence or action, but they are so casual as to imply merely circumstances attendant on the main statement: As (or since) I was tired, I was sleeping. Because introduces a direct reason: I was sleeping because I was tired. The reason, proof, or justification introduced by for is like an afterthought or a parenthetical statement: I was famished, for I had not eaten all day. The more formal inasmuch as implies concession; the main statement is true in view of the circumstances introduced by this conjunction: Inasmuch as I was tired, it seemed best to sleep.

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.

This embezzlement case has been hanging over the SNP like a toxic cloud since the police investigation began five years ago.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Brent crude futures haven’t settled below $100 since late April, though they are still more than $20 a barrel more expensive than before the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Visa’s stock, for its part, has been no slouch, rising 2,244% since the time of its IPO in March 2008, compared with a 473% rise for the S&P 500 over the same time.

From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026

Raju Ram, 33, also from Rajasthan, has been on a tanker in the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates since April, waiting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

But Harry smiled for the first time since he’d picked her up.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

since

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words