archaism

Definition of archaismnext

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 Narrator Mary Lewis, raised in Newfoundland herself, delivers the book in a manner that seems stilted at first but grows more appealing as Lewis moves further into the story, with its pleasing archaisms and evocation of balked communication. Katherine A. Powers, Washington Post, 21 Jan. 2020 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
  • In a throwback to Bad Bunny and Balvin's special guest appearances during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's coheadlining Super Bowl performance in 2020, the rapper could offer the same invitation.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Back in December of 2025, Vergara posted a throwback photo on Instagram showing off her jet-black hair.
    Elle Meier, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Looking back at Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic looks is an exercise in anachronism.
    Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
  • In 2025, swiping a plastic rectangle through a card reader feels like an anachronism, but the MetroCard shouldn’t be taken for granted.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Like the pharaohs and emperors of antiquity, the president weaponizes the past to justify his present actions and future plans, omitting and embellishing events of yesteryear to fit a bellicose agenda.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • With the new headquarters, Chan explained, Bonhams hope to widen their base of collectors through their larger exhibition space and programming around how to start or improve a collection across art, jewelry, antiquities, wine and other collectibles.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Archaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaism. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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