old 1 of 2

Definition of oldnext
1
2
3
4
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest even the most stirring speeches start to get old after you've heard them a few times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

old

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective old differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of old are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When can ancient be used instead of old?

While in some cases nearly identical to old, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When might antiquated be a better fit than old?

In some situations, the words antiquated and old are roughly equivalent. However, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When would antique be a good substitute for old?

The meanings of antique and old largely overlap; however, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is archaic a more appropriate choice than old?

While the synonyms archaic and old are close in meaning, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

In what contexts can obsolete take the place of old?

The words obsolete and old are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence.

a computer that makes earlier models obsolete

When is it sensible to use venerable instead of old?

The words venerable and old can be used in similar contexts, but venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of old
Adjective
Within a week of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance earlier this year, two notes purportedly written by the 84-year-old’s abductors were sent to local news outlets. John Miller, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 In fact, the 66-year-old star made his Broadway debut in the original production of A Few Good Men as a replacement cast member and understudy. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Noun
The 32-year-old struggled dramatically in his latest outing Sunday, failing to record an out against Colorado and giving up three hits, including a two-RBI single. Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Two 19-year-olds and a 20-year-old inside the Kia Soul driven by Carbo were injured in the crash, according to state police. Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old
Adjective
  • One of them was a plan by Newsom to put a $2,000 assets limit on low-income elderly people receiving Medi-Cal, which also did not make it into Friday’s agreement.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • An elderly man with a black eye was greeted with applause after his rescue.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Learn about Sarasota’s ancient past at Phillippi Estate Park or look for the resident deer at Rothenbach Park.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The pallium, a woolen collar embroidered with six crosses, is an ancient symbol of authority and obligation.
    Tony Aiello, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Illapa Sairitupac, Democratic New York State assembly candidate, from left, Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York, and Brad Lander, former New York City comptroller and US Democratic House candidate for New York, campaign during a primary election in New York, US, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 24 June 2026
  • Cendejas is a partner at the Strategy Group and has worked with several notable winning political campaigns, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Wahab’s first run for Senate against former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei in 2022.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sustainable growth feels boring from the inside.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The point is to make the boring stuff feel like a hangout, not to build a productivity system.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • And so the Pioneer Saloon thrives as an antiquity with a pulse — and by serving up quarter-pound Poltergeist Burgers (the place is ostensibly haunted, see).
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
  • The collection is the only large-scale library known to have survived from classical antiquity.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of applying an anti-aging serum and following up with your favorite night cream, this Blithe serum features a hybrid formula that combines both steps into one.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • Plus, keep scrolling for even more anti-aging skin care at Amazon.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up to celebrate the venerable Czech fest’s past and, at the same time, guide it into its future.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
  • Cosmetics, as venerable as mirrors, boomed to an unprecedented degree.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The erstwhile New York resident was loudly and vigorously booed by the hometown crowd as he was shown on the jumbotron of the legendary arena.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2026
  • Despite his meltdown in Colorado’s extra-inning loss to Milwaukee Friday night, the erstwhile starter has been one of baseball’s best relievers this season.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on old

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster