elder

Definition of eldernext
1
2
as in superior
one who is above another in rank, station, or office as your elder in the company, he is within his rights to tell you what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in ancestor
one who is older than another it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 elder Finally, talk with an elder-law attorney if the problem keeps happening. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 The happiness levels were determined by senior suicide rates, how many elders live alone, life expectancy at 65, senior volunteer rates, overall state happiness and other factors. Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 At first Zeke seems the very embodiment of older generations’ complaints about GenZ ennui, but Rice isn’t taking cheap shots — not least since since his elders-but-not-wisers get no more flattering a portrait once George (Camp) enters the scene. Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 June 2026 The years have only intensified Zimmerman’s mournful, hushed vocal performance, and Dream Me a Dream often plays out like a bedtime story spun by a beloved elder, accompanied by soft strings, shakers, and even a synth or two. Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
  • Enough with the oldsters, what about those kids?
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • With each passing day, its oldster cast — including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis — is closer to the grave.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The investigation, according to the archives, cited several factors as contributing to the tragedy, including Holland’s disregard of procedures, the failure of superiors to take previous action and the inadequate preparation of crew members aboard the doomed plane.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • The president watched Israel assassinate his colleagues and superiors, faced accusations by ultra-conservative hardline politicians of compliance with Iran’s archenemy, the United States, and even oversaw a massive crackdown on protests.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • But just because our microbiome differs from our ancestors' doesn't mean reverting to an earlier model is better.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2026
  • The range of Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary reflects the immediate, physical nature of my ancestors’ lives and work.
    Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Pageants, deans' lists, graduations or military enlistments are not accepted.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
  • Before serving as president of the University of Alabama, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University and as dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas.
    Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Raya Elfadel Kheirbek is a professor of medicine and chief of the division of palliative medicine and geriatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
    Raya Elfadel Kheirbek, Washington Post, 17 May 2026
  • What was shocking was that searches for novels about geriatrics period almost exclusively turned up women not very much older.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Countless Argentina bosses tried and failed.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • On Thursday, the Interior Department was claiming to have beat back the toxic blooms — while doing a drive-by trashing of Barack Obama to please the boss.
    Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The veteran guard joined the Nuggets in 2025 on a one-year veteran minimum contract and went on to post one of the best shooting seasons of his career.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • Trump’s order calls for veterans from around the country to come for rehabilitative services.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
  • Sitting alone among these ancients can be a profound experience.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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