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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
There’s also a deeply romantic feeling to its interiors, exemplified by the lobby’s antique furnishings and tall windows that draw in light. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Sep. 2025 Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues. Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
The firm’s namesake founder expertly curates an intriguing mix of antiques, vintage, and contemporary pieces for his soulful spaces, which range from dark and dramatic to light-filled and modern. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025 Indiana's largest antiques and vintage-only market features over 200 vendors with a wide variety of vintage and retro goods. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
Adjective
  • Klein now had most of the funds needed to save a unique stand of ancient forest.
    David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • One would hope the Chicken Man, friend of ancient chickens, would eat less chicken, after all.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Messi’s deft chip over the goalkeeper and two scrambling defenders was a vintage finish from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Popular attractions in Reno include the National Automobile Museum, which houses more than 200 classic and vintage cars, and the Truckee River Walk, a scenic walk along the water with cafes and shops along the route.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The adventurous archaeologist travels the globe looking for missing artifacts and historical treasures.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The artifacts included thimbles, a needle remnant and buttons — in addition to animal bones that showed signs of butchering.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Parents paying is another venerable LA tradition, though one that is rectified with a chain of Venmos at a later date.
    Joe Joyce, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ergo, the nostalgic dramedy, wherein Francis Guinan plays the titular and venerable proprietor of Phil’s TV and Radio, and Fischer plays his daughter, Sam.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • An oversized heron print by Gucci on a retro pink backdrop forms a striking focal point, offset by the clean geometry of the Manhattan skyline.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other oddities and relics the designers say add to the vintage Halloween theme include skeleton keys, cracked teacups, magnifying glasses, and even hats that look like they've been left behind.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Though The Paper is set in an entirely new office in a different state, there are some relics from The Office days that were left behind.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Families love Split for its walkable Old Town, beaches, and ferry access to islands like Hvar and Korčula, where kids can swim while grandparents explore medieval towns.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, medieval culture produced apocalyptic thinking.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Once a 19th-century military outpost, Fort Robinson now combines historic sites with miles of hiking and horseback trails.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The historic new daytime drama Beyond the Gates has officially set its second crossover with one of its CBS sister series, and its first from The Bold and the Beautiful.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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