elder 1 of 2

noun (1)

Definition of eldernext
1
as in senior
a person of advanced years in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dean
the senior member of a group as the elder of the contingent of living former presidents, he was accorded a place of highest honor at the ceremonies

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elders

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural of elder
1
as in adults
a person of advanced years in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in deans
the senior member of a group as the elder of the contingent of living former presidents, he was accorded a place of highest honor at the ceremonies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Making Providence’s varsity roster as a freshman forward, Leo Mendoza may have respected his elders a bit too much. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 The church elders’ comic banter brings the play to life, but a mother-daughter clash over faith, independence and gender politics feels underdeveloped, despite a visually striking production. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
Through the work of tribal language leaders, elders and younger generations, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is working to ensure Nisenan is not simply remembered as part of the past, but spoken and carried forward into the future. — Conor McGill, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026 The Republican elders Barry Goldwater, John Rhodes, and Hugh Scott told Nixon that impeachment in the House of Representatives was now certain, and conviction in the Senate likely. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
  1. oldster
  2. superior
  3. ancestor
  4. dean
  5. geriatric
  6. boss
  7. veteran
  8. ancient
Noun
  • Enough with the oldsters, what about those kids?
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • With each passing day, its oldster cast — including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis — is closer to the grave.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of oldster
Noun
  • While in the patrol, Veckey had raised concerns about detention conditions with his superiors, who repeatedly dismissed the issue.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • West Point implemented a rule in early 2025 that sought to bar civilian and military professors from publishing papers, speaking at conferences or appearing on podcasts without seeking approval from superiors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of superior
Noun
  • Very charming to think of our ancient ancestors getting the munchies.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Throughout the region, remains of 5,500 ancestors that were displaced have been made available for return to the Tohono O’odham Nation, according to ProPublica’s NAGPRA database.
    — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of ancestor
Noun
  • Steven Freedman, associate dean of admissions at the University of Kansas School of Law, said the loans are important to help provide access to all students.
    — Heather Hollingsworth, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The strike has also been backed by labor unions, university deans, churches, artists, athletes, international media organizations and others.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of dean
Noun
  • The hospital complex in San Francisco was ranked top nationally in several specialties as well, including geriatrics, pulmonology — the treatment of respiratory conditions — and lung surgery.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The report rated hospital performance in 14 specialties or specialty areas, ranging from cancer to geriatrics to urology.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of geriatric
Noun
  • Perhaps most importantly, the new boss will need to keep the fans on side.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2026
  • My new boss, Jane Sarkin, was wiry and intense, with a habit of chewing her hair when nervous, which was all the time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of boss
Noun
  • The Cubs’ World Series MVP praised the mix of hungry veterans and young guys looking to win their first title.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Randle’s wife has her circle of friends nearby, and the veteran forward has his own community outside basketball.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of veteran
Noun
  • The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
  • Sitting alone among these ancients can be a profound experience.
    — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of ancient

Phrases Containing elder

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el cheapo
elder
elderliness
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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elder

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