Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective archaic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of archaic are ancient, antiquated, antique, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When could ancient be used to replace archaic?

The meanings of ancient and archaic largely overlap; however, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

In what contexts can antiquated take the place of archaic?

The words antiquated and archaic can be used in similar contexts, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When is it sensible to use antique instead of archaic?

Although the words antique and archaic have much in common, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than archaic?

While in some cases nearly identical to archaic, 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 archaic?

The words old and archaic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

Where would venerable be a reasonable alternative to archaic?

The synonyms venerable and archaic 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 archaic The Argentinian pope departed from archaic and ornate accessories favored by Pope Benedict XVI — including his bright red leather loafers — opting for humble, simple robes and sensible black shoes with an orthopedic sole. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 Now Orozco resurrects one of the archaic and at the same time transhistorical models and actually functioning structures that had always fused function, use value, and immaterial spirituality: the architectural typology of the bridge. Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025 Morris pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were built on a novel interpretation of an archaic state law with roots in Oklahoma’s founding on the wild frontier, originally meant to stop marauding criminals from running out the clock on the statute of limitations by fleeing the state. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 12 May 2025 All wore dark formal kimonos and solemnly made the sign of the cross in front of their faces before starting their prayers — a mix of archaic Japanese and Latin. Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for archaic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaic
Adjective
  • Murkowski, however, told Thune and the administration all along that tightening eligibility and work requirements for public benefits wouldn’t work for her state’s antiquated system.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The hospital also had antiquated wiring in the operating room, necessitating an upgrade as new technology has become available to support surgeries.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Far from making human expertise obsolete, AI is increasing the value of experience, judgment and leadership in software development.
    Sebastian Avila, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • But, still, Tannahill gets us to wonder: Why are so many romance novels written about an obsolete nobility?
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Carved into chalk more than 1,600 years ago, the vaulted caverns at Taittinger stretch nearly 60 feet underground, their walls layered with remnants of Roman quarries, medieval crypts and Benedictine abbey foundations.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • On Thursday night, celebrities gathered for a kick-off event at the medieval Madonna dell’Orto cloister.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, the graves have slowly revealed new clues about the prehistoric society that lived in the region thousands of years ago.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
  • Director Gareth Edwards and screenwriter David Koepp give EW the inside scoop on creating these prehistoric monsters.
    EW.com, EW.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Archaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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