Definitions

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.

Jamie, both you and Linda have been acting since you were quite young and, in some ways, have grown up on camera.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Ever since, the people of France and Normandy have shown their gratitude for America’s sacrifice.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

Khan, a prominent British lawyer, has been on voluntary leave to fight the allegations since May 2025.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Factory production increased 0.4 percent, the first rise since the start of the Middle East conflict in late February, preliminary data from statistics agency Destatis showed.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

She hadn’t smiled at him a lot since the day they’d kissed and then he’d told her he didn’t want a girlfriend.

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

since

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words