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 Younger officers, shaped by different wars and different expectations, may see their elders as overly cautious and too protective of their own networks. Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026 The casting featured a deep roster of models, from elders to adorable kids, many the children of staffers. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 Marks and Nicholas were both charged with two counts of exploitation of an elder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and resisting an officer. Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026 So did the signature crispy thin crust and the accommodating nature of Serio’s elders. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
  • The three-year FAU/UCF study of 450 seniors in South and Central Florida found that drivers with mild cognitive decline exhibited less control of the gas pedal, took shorter or more fragmented trips, engaged in frequent hard braking, and drove lower average speeds.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
  • Because the 2027 adjustment will be based on inflation from July through September, seniors may lose ground if prices rise sharply before or after that period.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Brown’s team submitted an affidavit to superiors at the DOJ that did not make a strong enough case to move forward with what Olsen wanted.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 1 May 2026
  • Lower-ranking officers were able to tell their superiors what wasn’t going well and argue forcefully for changing course.
    Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • In a town in northern Peru, a teenager addicted to video games begins to desecrate the sacred ruins of his ancestors in search of money to continue playing.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • Scientists think that may have happened later when our ancestors intermingled with Denisovans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • McMahon’s resume in education includes working as a teacher, coach, dean, activities director, assistant principal and principal.
    Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • Walz, who was previously associate dean and department chair of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, as well as as assistant dean for special projects at CONHP, will officially begin her new duties July 1.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Most oldsters like myself still will probably find revisiting the piece enjoyable.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Those devoted to the Charli cause will no doubt get more out of the film than an out-of-touch oldster like myself ever could.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In his first title race against Manchester City, there was a reluctance from the Arsenal boss to make changes at key moments that sapped momentum away from his side.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • As Jones informed Moore of the selection, the 6-foot-3, 198-pound outside corner made a bold proclamation to his new boss.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The veterans were essentially reclamation projects.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Built in the 17th century under King Louis XIV, the National Institution of Invalides houses dozens of residents — among them military veterans, Holocaust survivors and civilian victims of conflicts and attacks who receive long-term, medically supervised care.
    Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Most American medical schools ensure that every student rotates through pediatrics; far fewer require a dedicated geriatrics rotation.
    Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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