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Synonyms

from way back

Idioms  

  1. Since long ago; for a long time. For example, This painting has been in the family from way back, or We know the Smiths from way back. [Colloquial; late 1800s]

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.

Which brings me to the consent theory of power, a favorite of theorists and agitators from way back, updated by Gene Sharp, an advocate of nonviolent resistance.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2025

"You've got people choosing to live here from Liverpool but also residents from way back with cultural ties that are deep."

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2025

Today we’re adding six more, ranging in release date from way back in the 1940s to just before the pandemic.

From New York Times • May 17, 2024

And he actually knew McKinney from way back.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2022

Short and round and dressed in one of those awful outfits from way back when—bell-bottom pants and a sports coat with enormous lapels.

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.