immemorial
adjective
im·me·mo·ri·al ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl 
: extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition
existing from time immemorial
immemorially
ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-ə-lē
adverb 
Synonyms
- age-old
- aged
- ancient
- antediluvian
- antique
- dateless
- hoar
- hoary
- old
- venerable
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the immemorial roots of human spirituality stories passed down from time immemorial
Recent Examples on the Web Aside from the immemorial wonders, Shiraz provided other, less monumental features. 
Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2022 Without thinking, Noonan raised two fingers from the steering wheel in that immemorial gesture of laconic country salute. Colin Barrett, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2021 Those two monuments were made to feel as immemorial as if they had been created by plate tectonics. Elizabeth Alexander, CNN, 30 Sep. 2021 The other produces an atmosphere of sacred, immemorial calm. Washington Post, 2 June 2021 The history of open memorials is perhaps best seen in spontaneous gestures of grief that are immemorial. Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021 The first day of class has an immemorial feel to it, an air of familiar routines eternally renewed. Carlo Rotella, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2020 To the surprise of some — me, for one — there was much in the collections created during lockdown that was frankly celebratory and that used 21st-century tools to connect with deep humanist urges and immemorial techniques. New York Times, 7 Oct. 2020 Goya knew the problem and let slip the solution, which is to keep in mind that there is no solution, only an immemorial question: Now what? Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2020 See More
Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2022 Without thinking, Noonan raised two fingers from the steering wheel in that immemorial gesture of laconic country salute. Colin Barrett, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2021 Those two monuments were made to feel as immemorial as if they had been created by plate tectonics. Elizabeth Alexander, CNN, 30 Sep. 2021 The other produces an atmosphere of sacred, immemorial calm. Washington Post, 2 June 2021 The history of open memorials is perhaps best seen in spontaneous gestures of grief that are immemorial. Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021 The first day of class has an immemorial feel to it, an air of familiar routines eternally renewed. Carlo Rotella, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2020 To the surprise of some — me, for one — there was much in the collections created during lockdown that was frankly celebratory and that used 21st-century tools to connect with deep humanist urges and immemorial techniques. New York Times, 7 Oct. 2020 Goya knew the problem and let slip the solution, which is to keep in mind that there is no solution, only an immemorial question: Now what? Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
probably from French immémorial, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin immemorialis lacking memory, from Latin in- + memorialis memorial
First Known Use
1602, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing immemorial
immemorial
adjective
as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past the immemorial Alps, where once Hannibal's army marched Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ancient
- venerable
- medieval
- old
- hoary
- antediluvian
- antique
- archaic
- age-old
- hoar
- prehistoric
- antiquated
- aged
- prehistorical
- traditional
- enduring
- obsolete
- outmoded
- aging
- dateless
- primeval
- passé
- mediaeval
- archaistic
- timeless
- ageless
- dated
- durable
- primordial
- permanent
- classical
- fusty
- lasting
- ageing
- retro
- vintage
- geriatric
- old-time
- tried
- time-honored
- Noachian
- moldy
- old-world
- out-of-date
- timeworn
- hallowed
- old-fashioned
- classic
- time-tested
- mature
- long-lived
- tried-and-true
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- modern
- recent
- vernal
- new
- young
- current
- youthful
- contemporary
- fresh
- latest
- ultramodern
- novel
- untried
- mod
- unused
- untested
- present-day
- unworn
- brand-new