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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
  • 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
  • Li said that Yunnan would have offered our archaic human relatives a hospitable climate, rich in plant and animal life.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Replacing obsolete systems and components LANSCE’s aging infrastructure has become increasingly difficult to maintain.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Officials previously said the aging tower had become inefficient and obsolete.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • Arnold Roma became one of the most persistent voices behind an effort to resurrect Fire Patrol, arguing that New York had lost more than an antiquated insurance service.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Costco online cake ordering updates antiquated system The online cake ordering feature was first revealed to be on the way by Costco CEO Ron Vachris in the company's quarterly earnings call in December 2025.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • The cave had effectively served as a prehistoric rest and maintenance station.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Robert Eagle, a co-author of the study and a geobiologist at University of California, Los Angeles, pioneered this approach to measuring prehistoric body temperatures.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • For those who favor outdoor adventure, climb up the famed hiking trail to get to the medieval fortress at the very top of the town.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • There are two sculptures in the center of the gallery, ramps with those medieval spikes.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of medieval

Browse Nearby Words

fossil
fossilized
fossils
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fossilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fossilized. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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