ANTIQUE Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

antique 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk

Definition of antique

as in ancient

dating or surviving from the distant past studied shards from antique pots made by the Pueblos of the Southwest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vintage

pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time loved to collect antique sugar tongs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

antique

2 of 2

noun

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk

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

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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

Roughly 2,700 square feet across two levels showcases a vintage country house aesthetic paired with dark hardwood flooring and antique light fixtures throughout. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma sent a set of antique jewels from the grand ducal family to the Parisian jewelry house. — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

No detail is overlooked—from antiques and scents to cheeky notes tucked in unexpected corners, the experience is intimate, playful, and deeply personal. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Allen also notes that the iconic design pairs equally well with antiques and contemporary wares. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antique

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique

Adjective

Although there are plenty of books in three languages (Arabic, French, and English), there are also museums, a planetarium, and a lab dedicated to restoring and preserving ancient manuscripts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
Unlike the other four, it was not protected as an ancient monument because it was believed to have been lost.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of ancient

Adjective

Kids had their stash of Beanie Babies, while moms had their vintage plate collections displayed in a china cabinet or on their walls.

— Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
For Halloween, look for the more interesting items that can’t be found in retail stores, such as vintage items like blow molds and anything paper mâché.

— Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of vintage

Noun

An avid collector of Old Hollywood artifacts, in 2014, Johns acquired a box at auction filled with autographed photographs—including one personally inscribed by Marilyn Monroe—and documents connected to celebrity facialist Madame Renna.

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
The Niners basically treated their star running back like a precious artifact this offseason, storing him at optimal temperature and humidity, limiting his exposure to light and contaminants.

— Andy Behrens, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of artifact

Adjective

James Wolk has been tapped for a recurring role on the upcoming 23rd season of the venerable ABC medical drama.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Busy schedules at venues of every size, particularly the venerable clubs and halls that help give Chicago its local flavor.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of venerable

Adjective

Some of our friends, who’d assumed that abstract art was all that any longer really mattered, were wondering if Jack’s nudes were radical or retro or if retro was the new radical.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
The end result is a retro sci-fi building with high-tech-like pipes drawing one’s attention.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of retro

Noun

But, Red Bull and its prioritizing of Verstappen aside, such an approach is a relic for modern teams.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
In one glass case sits a face shield, a vaccine vial and a large bottle of hand sanitizer — already considered relics of another time.

— Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of relic

Adjective

Castellón To the north, Castellón unfolds as a mountainous marvel where medieval citadels, golden beaches, and tiny fishing villages create a landscape of contrasts, with the scent of citrus perfuming the air.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
The season 28 finale is less than a month away and after the medieval twist wraps up, the jury stage of the game will begin.

— Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of medieval

Adjective

The record may come as no surprise after a summer marked by extreme weather, from wildfires to floods, and on the cusp of what scientists believe will be a historic El Niño.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2026
As redevelopment of the historic Brookhill Village complex in South End moves forward, developers are looking for funds to extend and beautify roadways in the enclave.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of historic

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“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of antique

adjective

noun

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Synonyms of antique

adjective

noun

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Example Sentences

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Articles Related to antique

Tulip/Turban, Cloak/Clock, & 8...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on antique

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Word of the Day

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Popular in Grammar & Usage

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Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

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Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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Games & Quizzes