hoar 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhȯr How to pronounce hoar (audio)
Definition of hoarnext
as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past the hoar and crumbling stones of ruined temples

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hoar

2 of 2

noun

as in frost
a covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface the hoar-covered meadow gleamed in the early-morning sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hoar
Adjective
Terms like graupel, rime ice, and hoar frost describe specific ways ice and frost form on surfaces and in the air. — Brandi D. Addison, IndyStar, 4 Dec. 2025 Surface hoar is created when water vapor is deposited on the snow surface, like dew. — Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2024 The hidden layer of fragile surface hoar, with facets playing a contributing role, is now the failure point for large and unpredictable slabs of snow. — Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2024 During cold weather the moisture precipitates out of the air onto every branch and willow bush, coating them in a layer of hoar frost. — Seth Adams, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2023
Noun
The hoar frost made the trees sparkle as though Earthquake Park were contained in a snow globe. — Alli Harvey, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Jan. 2022 Furthermore, the clear conditions preceding the storm could have led to the formation of a layer of light, feathery frost, known as surface hoar. — Douglas Preston, The New Yorker, 10 May 2021 But sometimes the crystals grow particularly large, forming hoar frost. — Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2014
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoar
  1. ancient
  2. frost
  3. venerable
  4. old
  5. hoary
  6. medieval
  7. antique
Adjective
  • Legend has it, Sperlonga was a stop on Odysseus's journey, and a group of ancient sculptures depicting scenes from the Odyssey were found in the grotto adjacent to the villa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Atolls are formed by ancient volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs.
    — NPR, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancient
Noun
  • Coneflowers stop blooming after the first hard frost, and they can still be harvested then as long as the cone holding the seeds is hard and dry, not wet or mushy.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Young trees are sensitive to frost damage and require protection during cold weather, says Mercer.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of frost
Adjective
  • With sawdust on the asphalt and splintered wood on the hillside, one of the city’s most venerable trees was torn apart on Monday.
    — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There's no shortage of high-end vehicles to drive these days and venerable automakers are competing to produce the greatest, most luxurious and flashiest status symbols.
    — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of venerable
Adjective
  • The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was spotted by plainclothes federal agents who observed odd behavior and subsequently contacted the Lomita Sheriff Department deputies.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In honor of the upcoming movie, the All Roads Lead to Camp bus is touring across the country and bringing fans, new and old, into the world of Camp Rock, PEOPLE previously revealed exclusively.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of old
Adjective
  • Bats like hoary bats, eastern red bats and silver-haired bats are especially vulnerable to wind energy expansion too.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • At one point, Lowe and Rogan joked about the hoary aphorism that says anyone who isn’t a liberal at 25 has no heart, but anyone who isn’t a conservative by 35 has no head.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Definition of hoary
Adjective
  • The now extinct lineage branched off after medieval European strains but before those that gave rise to modern smallpox.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
  • There’s even a fitness area overlooking the medieval village.
    — Tianna Soto, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • The couple seeks out new additions from antique dealers, private sellers and auctions.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Hudson One of the Hudson Valley’s most charming stops, Hudson has become a favorite among antique hunters, art lovers, and hip New Yorkers looking for an easy weekend escape.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of antique

Browse Nearby Words

hoagies
hoar
hoard
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Cite this Entry

“Hoar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoar. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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