"Ancestors" is a common synonym for the word "ances," referring to the individuals from whom one is descended. However, there are many other words that can be used to express different aspects of this concept. For example, "forebears" emphasizes the idea of those who came before, while "progenitors" highlights the role of one's ancestors in passing down traits and characteristics. Other possible synonyms include "forerunners," "roots," "heritage," and "lineage." Each of these can convey a slightly different nuance, depending on the context and the specific connotations associated with the word.