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 In a later post, Trump threatened to scuttle the Commanders' plans for a new stadium, which would move the team from its current location in Maryland back to the nation's capital after renovating an antiquated stadium on federal property. Rob Stein, NPR, 20 July 2025 Updated our antiquated Town Charter to modernize governance, align with state statutes, and ensure transparency. Danielle Wong, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025 About a decade after it was installed, the warning system Eastland had championed in the late ‘80s became antiquated and broken. Curt Devine, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 Civility has lost its dignity and caring about what others feel and think seems antiquated in today’s world. Lubna Zeidan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated
Adjective
  • Fresh meat was far from the only thing on the menu, according to a growing body of research that has revealed our archaic cousins ate a varied diet that included pulses and shellfish.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • Despite much innovation, financial services firms actually have some of the most archaic infrastructure and the highest levels of volatility.
    David Parker, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • This rule, Grimsley says, is designed to be adaptable, and be able to shift with the pace of technology—a recognition that when regulation and approvals take too long, the technology at issue risks becoming obsolete by the time it can be implemented.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Dynamic, Self-Evolving Customer Journeys Static journey maps are quickly becoming obsolete as customer journeys grow more fluid, stretching across devices, time zones and emotional states.
    Asif Hasan, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Pacific Women’s Chorus of San Diego, a chamber chorus for treble voices that performs music ranging from medieval chants to current compositions is recruiting experienced choral sopranos and altos.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The annual festival centers around medieval European society, with highlights of global cultures as well.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquated

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