since
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for since, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — From a particular point in the past up until now.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English syns, synnes, contraction of earlier sithens, sithence, from sithen (“after, since”) ( + -s, adverbial genitive suffix), from Old English sīþþan, from the phrase sīþ þǣm (“after/since that (time)”), from sīþ (“since, after”) + þǣm dative singular of þæt. Cognate with Dutch sinds (“since”), German se...
Full origin of since →Frequently asked questions
What does “since” mean?
The word “since” means from a particular point in the past up until now. In plain terms, from a point in the past until now — or, as a conjunction, meaning "because.".
How do you pronounce “since”?
“Since” is pronounced sihns (/sɪn(t)s/ in IPA).
How do you use “since” in a sentence?
Here is “since” used in a sentence: “She has lived in Bristol since 2015.”
What is another word for “since”?
Words with a similar meaning to “since” include sithence.
What is the opposite of “since”?
The opposite of “since” — its antonyms — are until and while.
What part of speech is “since”?
Depending on how it is used, “since” can be a preposition and a conjunction.
Is “since” a common word?
“Since” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “since” have?
“Since” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: from a particular point in the past up until now.
What is the difference between 'since' and 'for'?
'Since' marks the starting point of a period — 'since Monday,' 'since 2010.' 'For' marks the length of the period — 'for three days,' 'for years.' Both often pair with the present perfect tense, but 'since' answers 'from when?' while 'for' answers 'how long?' Mixing them is a frequent mistake.
Can 'since' mean 'because'?
Yes. Besides marking time, 'since' can introduce a reason — 'since you're here, let's begin.' Here it works like 'because' or 'as.' Context makes the meaning clear: if it points to a moment in time, it is temporal; if it explains why, it is causal.
What is an example of 'since'?
'I have lived here since 2015' shows the time sense, marking when the situation began and implying it still continues. 'She hasn't called since Tuesday' works the same way. In each case, 'since' fixes a point in the past and stretches forward to the present moment.