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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
The brand’s designs embrace antique-style furnishings with Chesterfield sofas and velvet upholstery suited for the likes of legendary designer Frances Elkins. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025 There are thousands of century-plus-old buildings in Louisville, but spirits aren’t just limited to antique, creaky homes, Smith told me. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
Tastefully use furniture from different eras, ranging from antiques to modern pieces. Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 His work is often set in some fantastical Old World locale, a fantasy of manor homes on the moors filled with antiques and rare books, an Anglophile and Francophile’s fantasy of Europe. Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
Adjective
  • One is that the isotopic ratios of sulfur are a legacy not of Earth, but of the chemical composition of Theia, and that more of the moon is made from debris originating from this ancient protoplanet than had been thought.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The landscapes feel plucked from an epic poem, and centuries of battles, folklore, and ancient clans set the tone for a vibrant culture steeped in history.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The show features displays of vintage tractors and engines along with tractor rides, wagon rides, exhibitors, food, live music and a daily parade.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Intricate and colorful wallpaper, custom millwork in the kitchen, a drop down projector screen, a vintage glass chandelier and even a 17th Century French tapestry are now featured throughout the home.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the frenzy, per Science Daily, bones were put on view at the farm, and other artifacts later wre brought on tours with the Ringling Brothers show.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Subsequent excavations yielded artifacts related to both ritual, such as incense burners, and agriculture.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Make a beeline for the Pinacoteca di Brera, the venerable art museum containing paintings by masters like Raphael and Caravaggio.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Season 10 finds the venerable Captain Sandy Yawn navigating the shores of Spain with a handful of familiar faces by her side.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Dior, Rabanne and Lanvin alum tapped into retro silhouettes, such as broad shoulders and asymmetry.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Flare Jeans The flare silhouette here matches Clarkson's retro-style jeans, but with a bit more fit through the leg.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nguyen exhibits the film next to his own artwork made from Vietnam bomb relics.
    Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Past efforts to revitalize the five-story relic failed to materialize before the late-night fire made such plans moot.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 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
Adjective
  • Nestled in the center of the city’s historic Main Street is a quaint mom-and-pop shop, Sita’s Kitchen.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The historic possessions were later donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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