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 Bedford expressed his support for that plan, which includes replacing antiquated telecommunications and radar systems with more modern technology. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 11 June 2025 Recent chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey also shined a spotlight on the agency’s antiquated technology. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 June 2025 The Lebanese military, on the other hand, has antiquated equipment and no serious air defenses. Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 That said, there isn't a specific vehicle age where any car becomes so antiquated that it's rendered useless. Charles Singh, USA Today, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated
Adjective
  • This type of technology has significant potential to disrupt and transform archaic IT infrastructure practices at healthcare organizations globally.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • How archaic tech, staff shortages and construction made a meltdown at Newark Airport The FAA has responded by trying to get more air traffic control students into the pipeline.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Revenue further dried up when the 30-year deal for affordable housing upstairs ended and the operator pulled out, leaving behind a warren of tiny, obsolete studio apartments that the city could not decide what to do with.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • But, still, Tannahill gets us to wonder: Why are so many romance novels written about an obsolete nobility?
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Carved into chalk more than 1,600 years ago, the vaulted caverns at Taittinger stretch nearly 60 feet underground, their walls layered with remnants of Roman quarries, medieval crypts and Benedictine abbey foundations.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • On Thursday night, celebrities gathered for a kick-off event at the medieval Madonna dell’Orto cloister.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquated

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