Synonyms of antiquated

antiquated

adjective

ˈan-tə-ˌkwā-təd 

as in archaic

having passed its time of use or usefulness

saw an antiquated hand-cranked rope-making machine at the textiles museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• archaic
• obsolete
• medieval
• rusty
• outmoded
• outdated
• prehistoric
• old
• dated
• out-of-date
• outworn
• useless
• defunct
• expired
• ancient
• fossilized
• discarded
• extinct
• superannuated
• neolithic
• moribund
• antique
• mossy
• Stone Age
• passé
• aging
• vintage
• historical
• historic
• obsolescent
• démodé
• unusable
• moth-eaten
• unworkable
• late
• disused
• retro
• Noachian
• demoded
• dead
• kaput
• venerable
• vanished
• antediluvian
• inoperable
• old-fashioned
• fusty
• past
• inert
• dormant
• aged
• inoperative
• musty
• latent
• idle
• inactive
• former
• old-time
• hoary
• free
• fallow
• old-world
• bygone
• atavistic
• erstwhile
• age-old
• dateless
• oldfangled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• modern
• current
• new
• contemporary
• recent
• present-day
• up-to-date
• newfangled
• ultramodern
• fresh
• modernized
• mod
• new-fashioned
• up-to-the-minute
• operational
• functional
• workable
• operating
• operable
• functioning
• operative
• active
• refurbished
• renewed
• remodeled
• busy
• employed
• alive

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

Recent Examples of antiquated

As a counterweight to the headmasterly arrogance of the NSFC, Thompson makes a fair point with a fabulous split-screen montage showing how the radical new wave of independent filmmaking coming out of America in 1970 made Ryan’s Daughter seem hopelessly antiquated. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

With its antiquated worst-picks-first draft system? —Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026

But thanks to an antiquated IRS rule, some of the most popular new technologies and platforms remain off limits for HSA accounts. —Deborah Autor, Boston Herald, 25 May 2026

Though Jordan and Tammy had raised their biological twins since they were born — and had the full support of their surrogate — they were required by antiquated state law to adopt their own babies. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026