elder 1 of 2

Definition of eldernext
1
2
as in superior
one who is above another in rank, station, or office as your elder in the company, he is within his rights to tell you what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in ancestor
one who is older than another it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

elders

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural of elder
1
2
as in superiors
one who is above another in rank, station, or office as your elder in the company, he is within his rights to tell you what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in ancestors
one who is older than another it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 elder
Noun
Younger officers, shaped by different wars and different expectations, may see their elders as overly cautious and too protective of their own networks. Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026 The casting featured a deep roster of models, from elders to adorable kids, many the children of staffers. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Noun
Younger officers, shaped by different wars and different expectations, may see their elders as overly cautious and too protective of their own networks. Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026 The casting featured a deep roster of models, from elders to adorable kids, many the children of staffers. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
  • The three-year FAU/UCF study of 450 seniors in South and Central Florida found that drivers with mild cognitive decline exhibited less control of the gas pedal, took shorter or more fragmented trips, engaged in frequent hard braking, and drove lower average speeds.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
  • Because the 2027 adjustment will be based on inflation from July through September, seniors may lose ground if prices rise sharply before or after that period.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Brown’s team submitted an affidavit to superiors at the DOJ that did not make a strong enough case to move forward with what Olsen wanted.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 1 May 2026
  • Lower-ranking officers were able to tell their superiors what wasn’t going well and argue forcefully for changing course.
    Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • In a town in northern Peru, a teenager addicted to video games begins to desecrate the sacred ruins of his ancestors in search of money to continue playing.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • Scientists think that may have happened later when our ancestors intermingled with Denisovans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • McMahon’s resume in education includes working as a teacher, coach, dean, activities director, assistant principal and principal.
    Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • Walz, who was previously associate dean and department chair of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, as well as as assistant dean for special projects at CONHP, will officially begin her new duties July 1.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Layers of corn tortillas, cheese, and chicken make this recipe an easy favorite of kids and adults alike.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
  • Among current offerings, the lowest standard one-day ticket costs 499 yuan or about $73 for adults.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Brown’s team submitted an affidavit to superiors at the DOJ that did not make a strong enough case to move forward with what Olsen wanted.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 1 May 2026
  • Lower-ranking officers were able to tell their superiors what wasn’t going well and argue forcefully for changing course.
    Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • This is among the most universal pieces of advice from our ancestors.
    Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
  • One by one, group members tearfully thanked their ancestors and poured white rum on the beach.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • But if the online tool cannot be turned back on safely, school officials will work with deans, department heads, and instructors regarding alternate ways to end the semester, sharing more information before noon Sunday.
    William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • Possibly this was the case at élite law schools in the nineteen-nineties, where even the most obdurate deans could not afford to ignore their militant students indefinitely.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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