Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antiquated differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antiquated are ancient, antique, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

Where would ancient be a reasonable alternative to antiquated?

The words ancient and antiquated are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When is it sensible to use antique instead of antiquated?

The words antique and antiquated can be used in similar contexts, but 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 antiquated?

The meanings of archaic and antiquated largely overlap; however, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When would obsolete be a good substitute for antiquated?

While in some cases nearly identical to antiquated, 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 can old be used instead of antiquated?

While the synonyms old and antiquated are close in meaning, 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 antiquated?

In some situations, the words venerable and antiquated are roughly equivalent. However, venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

Examples of antiquated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Or the lie that the old 1910 tunnel and the new Gateway tunnel need the expensive and antiquated technology of bench walls. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2024 This ultimately included public data portals, satellite imagery, mortgage records, deeds, property listings and information extracted from antiquated assessor’s office software. Cam Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2024 The Automat is a cheery look into a distinctly antiquated concept. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 July 2024 The transformation from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is one of several recalibrations at the entertainment giant’s theme parks for rides whose storylines are considered antiquated or offensive. Mike Schneider, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for antiquated 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antiquated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near antiquated

Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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