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antique

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noun

as in artifact
something belonging to or surviving from an earlier period their house is filled with rare antiques, including a collection of 19th-century African masks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antique differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antique are ancient, antiquated, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

In what contexts can ancient take the place of antique?

The words ancient and antique 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 antiquated a more appropriate choice than antique?

The words antiquated and antique can be used in similar contexts, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When might archaic be a better fit than antique?

In some situations, the words archaic and antique are roughly equivalent. 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 antique?

The meanings of obsolete and antique largely overlap; however, 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 antique?

While the synonyms old and antique are close in meaning, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When is it sensible to use venerable instead of antique?

The synonyms venerable and antique are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 antique
Adjective
However, the antique dealer’s dad (Grammer) makes a discovery that could have major ramifications. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025 Likewise, a selection of antique blue-and-white ceramics reinforces how images of flowers, landscapes and portraiture were constant themes across varied media at the time. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
The three-story structure spans more than 49,000 square feet and brings together RH Interiors, its Modern and Outdoor collections, RH’s Interior design office, along with art and antiques, all under one roof. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 July 2025 Products to choose from include books, apparel, toys, candy, antiques, jewelry, gifts, accessories, flowers, games, home decor, popcorn and more. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
Adjective
  • With ancient mountain ranges and historic trails, Travelers Rest truly gets more beautiful with age.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • India’s culture — ancient, old, and new — isn’t neat.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Barcelona Barcelona boasts 90 vintage shops across the city and has the fourth highest average rating, at 4.64.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The rest are stored in a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk in the attic.
    Parker Henry, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But of the various artifacts of American political exceptionalism, none so reliably damages democracy as gerrymandering.
    Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Only a limited number of artifacts are on display at one time on the museum’s two floors, which may disappoint Dylan’s most devoted followers.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, New York’s parks and trails generate more than $5 billion in annual economic activity — on par with New York State’s venerable agricultural sector.
    Paul Steely White, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Its namesake company may or may not have been part of one of the most notorious corporate mergers of all time; that merger may or may not have involved the publisher of the venerable business magazine Fortune.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Free Stage is known for drawing crowds with its mix of retro icons and crowd-pleasers.
    Samanta Habashy, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
  • The inclusion of Polaroid cameras is a delightful touch, enhancing the retro vibe and creating lasting memories.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • There were relics of the property’s former life as a brewery, Buffalo Brewing.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Kodiak’s other claims to fame are salmon fishing and relics of the island’s time as part of Russian America before the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 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
  • Kraków’s medieval heart beats beneath soaring Gothic towers and the echo of church bells over market stalls.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But those positive catalysts are expected to be more than offset by the tariffs, a historic immigration crackdown, layoffs of hundreds of thousands of federal workers and big cuts to social services programs such as Medicaid and food stamps, Begley said.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
  • On Monday morning, Trump unveiled his plans, announcing a historic escalation of law enforcement in D.C. by deploying the National Guard to patrol the streets and placing the city’s police department under federal control.
    John R. Lott Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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