ARCHAISM Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

archaism

noun

Definition of archaism

as in throwback

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 archaism That phrase, which may strike some young American ears as an archaism if not an oxymoron, is worth unpacking, and Amis provides readers with a pocket account of the historical preconditions of his extravagant fame. — A.o. Scott, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2018 For the Latin American left, that vision has congealed into archaism. — The Economist, 12 Oct. 2017 But the main challenge for any translator is to remain true to Virgil without wrenching him into archaism or stiffness. — Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, 22 Sep. 2017 Full of archaisms, the language has a neo-Nabokovian extravagance, occasionally overindulgent. — Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaism

Noun

The costume is the perfect excuse to dig out your skinny jeans, going-out top and pumps for a throwback to the aughts—a scary thought in itself.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
The Rare Beauty collab also builds on the wave of 2000s throwbacks that Disney stars such as Gomez and Lovato, as well as the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus, have been enjoying this past year.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of throwback

Noun

The likeness remains strikingly photo-realistic, but the anachronism of Dalí taking a selfie sinks the interaction into the uncanny valley.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
Relevance is the difference between timelessness and anachronism, and maintaining it demands the oxygen of engagement and the evolution of interpretation.

— Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of anachronism

Noun

The loft, recently revamped, is now filled with antiquities, chinoiserie, contemporary art and photography – part showroom and part apartment, complete with a tatami room.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Earlier in the episode, Francis swung by Sweet Emily’s, where Frog was once again holding court, telling Ray and Marty about how the antiquities trade really works in Oklahoma.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of antiquity

Browse Nearby Words

archaic

archaism

archaisms

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Style

“Archaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaism. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of archaism

noun

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