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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
What to look for: The current owner's collection of historic objects found in the area as well as an eclectic mix of mid-century modern and antique furniture. Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 These gems are displayed in antique cases; many are set on vintage silk velvet boxes sourced from the avid flea-marketer’s travels. Rima Suqi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
Kunst-a-bunt, an antiques shop in Prenzlauer Berg, is a great spot to dig up a quirky souvenir to take (or ship) home, like a lithograph or an old-timey egg cup. Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025 In addition to its narrative function as a disguise that could help stop people from recognizing that the antiques guy is the same person snooping around in a shady part of the galaxy, Luthen’s wig is part of his character. James Grebey, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
Adjective
  • Drive around the island and catch glimpses of past civilizations: ancient fig trees propped up by wooden crutches; centuries-old windmills that look like giant antique flyswatters; stone walls built by the Moors during the Middle Ages that somehow still look new.
    Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • The photo highlights the relative youth of human civilization by showing a 2,500-year-old temple that is ancient by the yardstick of human lives, alongside the 4.5 billion-year-old disk of Earth's moon, which has watched over humanity since our ancestors emerged from the oceans.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fabrics are versatile enough to look polished when washed clean or more relaxed with vintage washes.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 May 2025
  • Sentimental family keepsakes such as a pair of baby shoes also make for a lovely display along with a framed photograph or a stack of vintage children's books.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the artworks–most created by international emerging artists–Fenix displays important historical artifacts related to migration such as a section of the Berlin Wall, a migrant boat from Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea, and a 1923 Nansen passport.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The large complex is made up of stone structures built around open plazas, and as additional structures were added over time, several rooms became interior spaces — which is how the room containing the 23 artifacts became hidden.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • After being overhauled in major fashion earlier this year, the venerable evening newscast, which has direct ties to Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, is likely to get some new twists and tweaks.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 May 2025
  • Michael Teo Van Runkle Michael Teo Van Runkle The venerable EA888 engine.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The brothers are hoping to open the restaurant in June, pending building repairs and updates to create a retro diner-style experience, Alejandro Salazar said.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025
  • The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 further underscores the rather retro nature of this notebook.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sovereigns are stuck because their tools—and their stories—are relics.
    Jules Herd, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Mao’s violent mass movement shut down schools, paralyzed the government, shattered the economy, destroyed religious and cultural relics – turmoil that only subsided after the leader’s death in 1976.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bengtsson had discovered a medieval monastery likely dating back to the late 12th century, according to the release.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
  • Delap’s cannon shoulders struck fear into a baffled division, like a medieval army who looked across the battlefield and realised that the opposing forces had technology far beyond theirs.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Set once again at the historic Fillmore Miami Beach, ticket and lineup information for Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 24 May 2025
  • Starmer met Trump in the Oval Office earlier this year armed with an invitation from Charles to a historic second state visit, all part of efforts to pave the way for Britain to get a U.S. trade deal, which eventually was forthcoming.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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