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

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 antiquated But the solid axles also pair with the steering to produce the most antiquated element of an Ineos—either the SUV or truck. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025 At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025 Thailand has long been hostage to antiquated patronage politics, with cash handouts and other inducements distributed via influential local families, known as baan yai, commonplace to foster support. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 While traditional wisdom may say to avoid white linen pants after Labor Day, fashion-forward travelers ditched that antiquated rule years ago. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated
Adjective
  • As gaming becomes a more mainstream activity, however, these stereotypes grow more archaic, and a new study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that the universal image of a gamer as a lonely young male is not just outdated, but inaccurate.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In the early nineties, the halcyon days of mountain biking, a cadre of American cyclists competed all over the world on these glorious if archaic machines.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Skrmetti's office did not respond to questions about what law change or court decision rendered the opinion obsolete.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
  • From tracking to orchestrating Benko argued that traditional supply chain management models—often built around linear, point-to-point connections—are quickly becoming obsolete.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And then there’s getting medieval on your ass.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Ludwig Hurtado Julie d’Aubigny Want to get medieval with it this All Hallow’s Eve?
    Samantha Allen, Them., 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquated

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