Definition of yesteryearnext
as in past
the events or experience of former times the simple games of yesteryear that kept children entertained for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of yesteryear And while the reveal of a passel of young, fresh X-Men within moments of showcasing yesteryear’s X-Men in a splashy trailer would seem to indicate a certain non-linearity in terms of MCU Phase 7 storytelling, the crowd in Anaheim ate it up. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026 Just taking a surface-level glance at the landscape of modern college football shows us that some of the best rivalries from yesteryear may be a thing of the past. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 These are not the Bermuda shorts of yesteryear—they’re roomier, tailored, and much more chic. — Erika Reals, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Lincoln’s status isn’t the same as its yesteryear glory. — James Raia, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for yesteryear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yesteryear
past
Noun
  • The tale is energized by the thoughtful performances of Hanns Zischler, as Mann, and Sandra Hüller, as the author’s daughter Erika, who accompanies him while reviving conflicts from her own past.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Legal scrutiny in Honduras Little is publicly known about Pérez’s past beyond his modest beginnings.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yesteryear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yesteryear. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster