Home/USA Today Rootonym/Existing before the war, especially the American Civil War (1860-1865) (adjective)
Existing before the war, especially the American Civil War (1860-1865) (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Existing before the war, especially the American Civil War (1860-1865) (adjective)”? The solution is ANTEBELLUM, a 10-letter word built on the root BELL (“war”). It appeared in the July 9, 2026 (Thursday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
ANTEBELLUM
****BELL**BELLmeans “war”
In a sentence
The ANTEBELLUM mansion suggests a period of time where romance and chivalry existed.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Existing before the war, especially the American Civil War (1860-1865) (adjective)” has the answer ANTEBELLUM (10 letters), built on the root BELL, which means “war”. Browse the full July 9, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.