Another Word for History: 15 Synonyms with Examples
History is the study of past events, the past itself, or the past record of a person or thing. Swap it to stress the past, a record or a story.
As a noun: past events
- the past
- former times
- yesterday
- antiquity
- days gone by
As a noun: a record of past events
- record
- account
- chronicle
- story
- narrative
- annals
As a noun: a person's past experience
- background
- record
- past
- experience
- track record
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- the past
- Simply time before now, without the idea of study.
- antiquity
- The ancient past, especially Greek and Roman times.
- account
- A description of events, written or spoken.
- chronicle
- A record of events in the order they happened.
- record
- A person's past behaviour or achievements, as in a medical or criminal record.
- background
- Someone's past experience and education.
Example sentences
- the past: Old photographs offer a glimpse into the past.
- antiquity: The statue dates from antiquity.
- account: Her diary gives a vivid account of life during the war.
- chronicle: The monks kept a chronicle of every flood and harvest.
- record: The doctor checked his medical record before prescribing anything.
- background: Her background in finance helped her run the charity.
Opposite of history
- future
- present
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “history”?
The most useful alternatives are “the past”, “former times”, “yesterday”, “antiquity”, “days gone by”. For the main sense (past events), “the past” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “the past” and “antiquity”?
the past: Simply time before now, without the idea of study. antiquity: The ancient past, especially Greek and Roman times.
What is the opposite of “history”?
Common antonyms are “future”, “present”.