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
  • This ancient city, sited halfway between London and Edinburgh, has a wealth of significant historic attractions dating back to its Ancient Roman origins.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • During its two-and-a-half-hour descent through Titan’s thick orange atmosphere, Huygens captured the first-ever views of the surface, revealing river channels, ancient shorelines and a landscape shaped by liquid methane rather than water.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancient
Noun
  • Start hibiscus seeds indoors about 10 to 14 weeks before the last spring frost.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Adapt to survive Along with a warming trend pushing harvesting seasons earlier, European wine growers are up against drought, freak weather events such as spring hailstorms and frost which wiped out many buds, and wildfires.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of frost
Adjective
  • The venerable establishment was undamaged, but shut down amid the chaos.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • These are just two of several recent high-profile wins, providing a financial windfall for the venerable investment bank.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of venerable
Adjective
  • So when the 36-year-old was pronounced dead in a South Carolina apartment on Sunday, shock and grief stretched around the world.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics saw its shares jump as much as 629% during its Wednesday market debut in Shanghai—an eye-popping rally that pushed 36-year-old chairman and CEO Wang Xingxing’s net worth to $16 billion.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 19 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
  • Divination practices often use Tarot cards or the ogham alphabet, which was originally employed in early medieval Irish and Pictish inscriptions.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • StemRad engineers, though, figured dressing as a medieval knight doesn’t really get you all that much.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • The 1950s coffee table is topped with an antique metal Korean grain smasher.
    — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sumptuously furnished with vintage and antique decor, the rooms make a statement through bold colors, custom kimono bathrobes, and handmade Hästens beds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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