fossilized

adjective

ˈfä-sə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce fossilized (audio)
Definition of fossilizednext
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness fossilized notions about the proper place of women in society

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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 fossilized Likewise, primitive asteroidal bodies are somewhat like fossilized remnants of the building blocks of the solar system's planets, including Earth. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 June 2026 Scientists recently uncovered fossilized jawbones of Nanaimoteuthis haggarti – a massive, kraken-like octopus that roamed Earth about 72 million years ago. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 June 2026 Made from fossilized phytoplankton, DE is approved for organic gardens and can be sprinkled directly onto ant hills to kill ants. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026 These beaches are some of the best in Florida for finding shells and fossilized shark teeth, especially near the fort and jetties. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fossilized
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fossilized
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. antiquated
  4. prehistoric
  5. medieval
Adjective
  • Cornell University’s investigation, of course, did not have to adhere to New York’s arguably archaic criminal standards, but its response, too, has triggered anger and disbelief across airwaves and social media.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Yet most security programs follow a model that AI has made obsolete.
    — Taylor Morgan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence has also sparked growing fears that a traditional four-year college education will become obsolete.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • The antiquated federal code lacks any guidance for building these homes to withstand earthquakes, wildfires or tornadoes.
    — Arindam Chowdhury, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Stroll through the woods and encounter prehistoric scenes, luminous flowers, lantern art and a host of mythical creatures.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Think fewer flowers and more new prehistoric species named in your honor.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • By the medieval period, Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe, but long-distance travel was extremely difficult, and embarking upon a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was often regarded as a death sentence.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The medieval French mystic Marguerite Porete was burned at the stake.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of medieval

Browse Nearby Words

fossil
fossilized
fossils
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Cite this Entry

“Fossilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fossilized. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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