Synonyms of ancient

ancient 1 of 2

adjective

ˈān(t)-shənt 

1

as in venerable

dating or surviving from the distant past

Rome's ancient ruins remain carefully preserved even in the midst of the bustle of the modern city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• venerable
• antique
• old
• medieval
• archaic
• antiquated
• prehistoric
• antediluvian
• age-old
• hoary
• immemorial
• traditional
• aged
• hoar
• aging
• durable
• classical
• obsolete
• outmoded
• vintage
• enduring
• old-time
• old-world
• dateless
• dated
• out-of-date
• retro
• fusty
• permanent
• geriatric
• archaistic
• lasting
• primeval
• old-fashioned
• timeless
• Noachian
• classic
• ageless
• primordial
• moldy
• tried-and-true
• passé
• mature
• timeworn
• long-lived
• time-honored
• tried
• time-tested
• hallowed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• modern
• new
• recent
• young
• contemporary
• youthful
• current
• fresh
• latest
• present-day
• novel
• vernal
• untried
• ultramodern
• unused
• mod
• untested
• brand-new
• unworn

2

as in older

being of advanced years and especially past middle age

used to think that age 40 was ancient until I turned 40 myself

Synonyms & Similar Words

• older
• old
• elderly
• aging
• aged
• senior
• geriatric
• senescent
• over-the-hill
• long-lived
• long in the tooth
• of a certain age
• unyoung
• venerable
• adult
• oldish
• octogenarian
• sexagenarian
• nonagenarian
• septuagenarian
• middle-aged
• patriarchal
• retired
• decrepit
• superannuated
• centenarian
• matriarchal
• senile
• doddering
• mature
• spavined
• grown-up
• tottery
• anile
• pensioned
• overage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• young
• youthful
• ageless
• juvenile
• adolescent
• youngish
• immature
• minor
• green
• puerile
• raw
• inexperienced
• infantile
• childish
• underage
• childlike
• preteen
• callow
• infantine
• babyish
• kiddish

3

as in primitive

relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period

the ancient Inca built a vast network of roads

Synonyms & Similar Words

• primitive
• prehistoric
• primal
• early
• primeval
• primordial
• old
• antiquated
• embryonic
• antediluvian
• infant
• hoary
• antique
• budding
• obsolete
• age-old
• outmoded
• germinal
• aged
• out-of-date
• passé
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• late
• complex
• higher
• advanced
• high
• evolved
• developed
• full-scale
• full-blown
• full-fledged

ancient

2 of 2

noun

as in elder

a person of advanced years

ancients in the tribe are accorded great respect and valued for their wisdom

Synonyms & Similar Words

• elder
• adult
• senior citizen
• geriatric
• old-timer
• oldster
• golden-ager
• patriarch
• graybeard
• senior
• dowager
• beldam
• grandam
• dotard
• whitebeard
• gaffer
• grown-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• youth
• youngster
• adolescent
• minor
• child
• kid
• juvenile
• kiddie
• cub

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ancient differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ancient are antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When can antiquated be used instead of ancient?

The meanings of antiquated and ancient largely overlap; however, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When is it sensible to use antique instead of ancient?

Although the words antique and ancient have much in common, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When could archaic be used to replace ancient?

The words archaic and ancient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than ancient?

While the synonyms obsolete and ancient are close in meaning, 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 would old be a good substitute for ancient?

The words old and ancient can be used in similar contexts, but old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses

an old sweater of mine

When might venerable be a better fit than ancient?

The synonyms venerable and ancient are sometimes interchangeable, but venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ancient

Adjective

Scientists think ancient humans wielded a whole litany of tools made from stone, bone and wood. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Genetic studies of ancient and modern Rapanui confirm their Polynesian origins while also suggesting limited contact with South America, likely the result of later voyages rather than founding migration. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

Read More: These 5 Ancient Civilizations Treasured Their Pets Coping with Critters The discovery of archeological remains has helped scientists better understand how ancients coped with bothersome critters. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025

No full moons, no silver bullets, no ancients curses and the like, just a title card at the beginning of the film stating that wolf man sightings have been a phenomenon since indigenious peoples ruled the Americas. —Scott Phillips, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025