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When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than archaic?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 archaic state of it, however, is a problem. Phil Hay, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 As a result, the timeline for Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis — archaic humans who disappeared from Europe and Central Asia around 40,000 years ago and are known to have lived alongside the Denisovans — has also been shifted. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 As One of Us gleefully samples multiple registers—comic, tragic, satiric, elegiac, poetic—its mesh of archaic and contemporary styles becomes something quite arresting, a joy to read … Chaon’s beautiful novel insists on answers. Book Marks september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 Neanderthals, archaic humans who lived in Europe and Central Asia before disappearing around 40,000 years ago, are known to have lived alongside the Denisovans and interbred with them. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for archaic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaic
Adjective
  • That outlook feels askew and antiquated.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • By the end, the old Wembley was best viewed from a distance — ideally 15 or 20 years’ distance as the crumbling concrete and antiquated facilities meant the Empire Stadium belonged in the same bygone era as its official name.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Skrmetti's office did not respond to questions about what law change or court decision rendered the opinion obsolete.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
  • From tracking to orchestrating Benko argued that traditional supply chain management models—often built around linear, point-to-point connections—are quickly becoming obsolete.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And then there’s getting medieval on your ass.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Ludwig Hurtado Julie d’Aubigny Want to get medieval with it this All Hallow’s Eve?
    Samantha Allen, Them., 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Not pretty at all, but a real link to a past, and a great example of prehistoric tech.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The rare species of prehistoric predator was found in southern England.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaic. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on archaic

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