Looking for synonyms for the past? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say the past.
- History
- Yesteryear
- Bygone days
- Former times
- Antiquity
- The old days
- Times gone by
- The yore
- Days of old
- The bygones
- Ancient times
- The good old days
- Previous times
- Earlier times
- The days of yore
- Olden times
- The golden age
- Foregone times
- The olden days
- Times past
Want to learn how to say the past professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. History
When referring to the collective events or periods that have shaped societies, civilizations, or the human condition.
Example: The company’s success is rooted deeply in its history, dating back over a century.
2. Yesteryear
Used for referring to a time generally in the distant past, often with a sense of nostalgia.
Example: The architectural designs of yesteryear have influenced modern aesthetics significantly.
3. Bygone days
Refers to periods or moments in the past, typically used when reminiscing about times that are over and cannot be returned to.
Example: In bygone days, business was conducted primarily in person or through mail.
4. Former times
Used to denote past periods without specifying exact times, often in comparison to the present.
Example: The methods of communication in former times seem almost alien compared to today’s digital age.
5. Antiquity
Refers to the very ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.
Example: The legal systems of antiquity laid the groundwork for many modern laws and principles.
6. The old days
Similar to “yesteryear,” it evokes a sense of nostalgia, referring to a past considered simpler or better in some way.
Example: In the old days, handshake deals were as binding as formal contracts.
7. Times gone by
Used to reflect on past periods, often with a touch of nostalgia or historical interest.
Example: The strategies used in times gone by have shaped the current landscape of international diplomacy.
8. The yore
A poetic or literary term for the distant past.
Example: The tales of the yore are still recounted in the halls of this ancient university.
9. Days of old
Refers to ancient or historical times, often used in storytelling or historical accounts.
Example: In the days of old, the guilds played a crucial role in the economy.
10. The bygones
Used to refer to past matters, events, or periods, often in the context of letting go of old grievances.
Example: The negotiations sought to leave the bygones behind and forge a new path forward.
11. Ancient times
Refers specifically to the period of history before the end of the Western Roman Empire.
Example: The medical knowledge of ancient times, though primitive, laid the foundations for modern medicine.
12. The good old days
Used when reminiscing about a period in the past often regarded as better or simpler.
Example: Many look back to the good old days of the industry, when competition was less fierce and margins were higher.
13. Previous times
A neutral term for referring to any time in the past.
Example: The technological advancements of previous times pale in comparison to the innovations we see today.
14. Earlier times
Similar to “previous times,” it denotes a nonspecific period in the past.
Example: In earlier times, the pace of life was generally slower, allowing for deeper contemplation.
15. The days of yore
A poetic or nostalgic way to refer to the distant past.
Example: The craftsmanship of the days of yore is admired for its detail and durability.
16. Olden times
Used to describe periods far back in history, often with a sense of quaintness or antiquity.
Example: In olden times, travel was a perilous adventure that could take months.
17. The golden age
Refers to a period of great achievement or excellence in a specific field or society.
Example: The mid-20th century is often considered the golden age of cinema.
18. Foregone times
A less common term for referring to the past, often used in literary contexts.
Example: The architecture of foregone times influences our approach to sustainable building practices today.
19. The olden days
Similar to “the old days,” it conveys a sense of nostalgia for a past viewed as simpler or better.
Example: In the olden days, apprenticeships were the primary means of learning a trade.
20. Times past
A general term for referring to the past, often used in historical or reflective contexts.
Example: The legal profession has seen significant changes from times past to the present.
