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Definition of antiquenext
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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
For women, there’s a variant with a mesh fabric in colors ranging from antique pink to violet, ice white, and sugar paper. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS LOADED QUESTION — Gunmaker lawsuit faces hurdle after Auburn grad allegedly killed with antique revolver. FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Noun
Far from a typical flea market, Monastiraki offers handmade leather goods, independent artisan crafts, clothing, secondhand books, antiques, traditional tavernas, street performers and historic ruins, all in one walkable space. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026 Splittstoesser sells antiques next to Langseth's shop. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
Adjective
  • Grounding might include a Ku Nye full-body massage inspired by ancient Tibetan healing traditions that stimulates the meridian system, acupressure, kneading, deep-tissue techniques and a Tibetan head massage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Naadam is described as an ancient cultural spectacle and one of the few opportunities outsiders get to experience Mongolian culture up close.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bottega Conticelli objets d’arts from leather and wood include vintage-style steamer trunks that conceal in-suite televisions and fragrant stationery items.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Page, our master of style, tells us her painting philosophy, her vintage shopping advice, what's next on her DIY list, and her perspective as a first-time homeowner.
    Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Amanda Pecsenye Behind the handwritten lyrics and archival concert outfits in Ohio’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is Amanda Pecsenye, whose curatorial eye uncovers new artifacts amid the persistent rumble of rock music.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Inside, artifacts, photographs, and archival materials trace the surge of prospectors who passed through in the late 1850s, when Lillooet briefly grew into one of the largest settlements north of San Francisco, with a population that peaked around 16,000.
    Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The moves cap a period of turmoil for the venerable newsmagazine that premiered in 1968 and is known for its ticking stopwatch.
    Jocelyn Noveck, Fortune, 29 May 2026
  • But the accolades came just hours before a major overhaul of the venerable newsmagazine as executive producer Tanya Simon was let go and features journalist Nick Bilton was installed as executive producer.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Tasting History with Max Miller, a popular YouTube channel with over four million subscribers, has garnered almost 425,000 views (and counting) on his video making the retro recipe.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
  • Much to the delight of comfort-minded dressers everywhere, loose, retro activewear has gone supernova this year.
    Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Otherwise, there's The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, a relic kept intact since 1756 with seafood dishes that match its coastal atmosphere.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
  • Other public recognitions and relics of Kahanamoku’s story exist around Orange County.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Time periods are not clear, but the tales seem to range from medieval times to contemporary settings.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
  • Its 23 spacious rooms and suites, all with terraces or private gardens, have spectacular sea views and are nestled into a ridge overlooking a secluded cove near the medieval hilltop village of Ramatuelle.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Among the most renowned establishments is Salon Corona, a restaurant and brewery in Mexico City’s historic center.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • During Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), the foundation also leads specific tours with a narrow focus on the historic contributions of each group.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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