way back when

ADJECTIVE

past

Synonyms

STRONGEST

earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent

STRONG

ancient bygone latter over

WEAK

ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime time was way back

Antonyms

STRONGEST

after current future later on time

STRONG

modern new

WEAK

present

NOUN

ancient history

Synonyms

WEAK

antiquity bygone days distance of time distant past early history prehistory protohistory remote past the past time immemorial

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.

"All of the millions of dollars that were spent marketing, promoting, establishing the brand of those things way back when they were on in the first place -- those bills have already been paid."

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

They have not allowed a goal since their opener on Feb. 5, way back when Patriots fans still thought they had a shot in the Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

We made romance out of tragedy and took our time on the way back when the Sunset fire evacuation orders were lifted.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

But the hosts eventually found a way back when Osimhen slipped past his marker in the box before rifling past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to level.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2024

It had been such an incredibly long day that started way back when she came into my room while I was still in bed and we went running in the rain together on Bainbridge Island.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith

way back when

Example Sentences

Related Words