as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past
hoary oak trees with dripping moss and gnarled limbs shaded us from the sun
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Recent Examples of hoary
Forget that hoary old prophecy about the kid who'll bring balance to the Force.
—
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Sometimes a good story or excellent execution can overcome hoary material.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2025
His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Every year, the show’s producers try to think of new ways to celebrate movies, but the hoariest methods are usually best.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoary
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Sometimes a good story or excellent execution can overcome hoary material.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2025
His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Every year, the show’s producers try to think of new ways to celebrate movies, but the hoariest methods are usually best.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoary
Adjective
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The norm is for ancient dugouts found in southern Florida to be linked to ancestors of the Calusa, the Seminole or the Miccosukee, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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Scientists can analyze these ancient samples to infer ocean temperature, sea ice cover or levels of atmospheric gases at different moments across thousands of years.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Still, Sabbath sounded amazing, the band’s distinctive vibe of limitless cosmic encumbrance, of Man squirming under the thumb of Fate, God, madness—the essential heavy-metal vision—somehow magnified by the venerable wobbliness of its playing.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
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How does a venerable American brand known for creating the ultimate coffee experience tap into the innovative power of data and AI to create the next generation of customer service?—
Randy Bean,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Smith replied that private schools must submit renewal packets every year before they are approved to continue participation in the accounts program, and that the agency compares the new tuition rates against the older rates.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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The reversal marks just one example of how Trump is rewriting Republicans’ decades-old playbook on countering Beijing’s influence in the United States and abroad.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The print is encased in a golden polystyrene frame that looks inspired by antique baroque frames of the early 17th century.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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Its 49 guest rooms are filled with antique furniture, damask wallpaper, and ornate chandeliers that lend it a yesteryear vibe.—
Mae Hamilton,
AFAR Media,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Families love Split for its walkable Old Town, beaches, and ferry access to islands like Hvar and Korčula, where kids can swim while grandparents explore medieval towns.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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And yes, medieval culture produced apocalyptic thinking.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hoary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoary. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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