elder

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 Smooth jazz echoed from the stage and off the historic brick buildings as children danced while elders nodded their heads and smiled. Christopher Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 June 2025 The Cost of Delay: Why Timing Matters Every month of delay in implementing comprehensive elder and disability planning increases both financial risk and family stress. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Leech Lake officials asked people to check on their neighbors — in particular elders and people with health conditions. Andrew Krueger, Twin Cities, 23 June 2025 That social insurance program ensured an income for older Americans, plus unemployment insurance and programs to help children, elders and blind people. Kat McGowan, NPR, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
  • The new Gallup data suggests U.S. adults are returning to more pro-immigrant views that could complicate Trump’s push for sweeping deportations and other anti-immigration policies.
    Linley Sanders, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • The adult arcades see that as just the cost of doing business.
    Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • They may also be perceived by co-workers and superiors as hesitant, withdrawn or underperforming.
    Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Last fall, they were convicted in a separate federal case of witness tampering for misleading superiors about their actions.
    Katie Riordan, NPR, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The gift of 'The Mahabharata' that my ancestors gave me is truly the gift that keeps giving.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The same ancestor who founded this homestead left his own family behind in Georgia; that cold resolve is Hailey’s inheritance too.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The following Naperville residents have completed college/university degrees or have been named to their school’s dean’s list, honor roll or similar academic achievement list. Names, degrees and honors appear below as provided by the respective schools.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • The program would combine courses taught by Kennedy and Munk faculty members, according to the deans of both institutions.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Who among us oldsters doesn’t enjoy a good VFX-costume parlay?
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Folks back in the day had Yoda as their feisty oldster and the kids now have Maz. 36.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 24 May 2023
Noun
  • Jumper eventually became air boss on the Midway, as the Vietnam War was fading out.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Recently, the union boss has been bending the president’s ear on the issue of the federal tax credit and overseas production tariffs.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • But after those two veterans, the Panthers’ cornerback room is notably inexperienced.
    Mike Kaye July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • The veteran will report on July 22 and the team will hold their first practice the next day.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Various private clinics in the fields of surgery, dentistry, cardiology, and geriatrics are available, as well as senior-friendly services.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The number of nurse practitioners specializing in geriatrics has more than tripled since 2010, increasing the availability of care to the current population of seniors, a recent study in JAMA Network Open found.
    Jariel Arvin, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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