variants
also kaputt
1
2
as in obsolete
having passed its time of use or usefulness
hard-line Soviet-style Communism became kaput in Russia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
the heating system went kaput on the coldest day of the year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of kaput
Gunn tells Deadline, that The Authority is not kaput.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2025
Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, seems adamant that the OG Yellowstone is kaput.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2024
Now all three of those competitors are kaput, felled by runs on deposits during the biggest banking crisis in a decade and a half.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 14 June 2023
The Stooges are now functionally kaput—of the original lineup, only Pop is left.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2019
At least not on Sunday afternoon, nearly a full two days after the Clippers were supposed to be done, finished, as kaput as the Kings – those in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
—Jeff Miller, Orange County Register, 29 Apr. 2017
The damages for that less-than-brilliant marketing idea could be as much as $120 million, meaning the company as a whole is pretty much financially kaput.
—Susan Arendt, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2007
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2025
Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, seems adamant that the OG Yellowstone is kaput.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2024
Now all three of those competitors are kaput, felled by runs on deposits during the biggest banking crisis in a decade and a half.
—Rob Copeland, New York Times, 14 June 2023
The Stooges are now functionally kaput—of the original lineup, only Pop is left.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2019
At least not on Sunday afternoon, nearly a full two days after the Clippers were supposed to be done, finished, as kaput as the Kings – those in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
—Jeff Miller, Orange County Register, 29 Apr. 2017
The damages for that less-than-brilliant marketing idea could be as much as $120 million, meaning the company as a whole is pretty much financially kaput.
—Susan Arendt, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2007
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kaput
Adjective
-
Owner Jason Boso fixed that, infusing $2 million into the 10-year-old bar on better bathrooms, a covered section of the patio and a re-done kitchen.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas News,
3 Apr. 2023
Adjective
-
We are being billed based on an obsolete business model that privatizes the profits and socializes the costs.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Even in modern medicine, the practice isn’t obsolete; doctors sometimes apply live leeches after reconstructive surgery to keep blood from clotting in flaps of tissue.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
-
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.—
Julio Ojeda-Zapata,
Twin Cities,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The atmospheric horror series, executive produced by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer and directed and executive produced by Weronika Tofilska (Baby Reindeer), takes place in the week leading up to a doomed wedding, following the bride and groom.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
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In addition, the Jets were last in passing yards because of a doomed quarterback situation.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet university leaders have spoken optimistically about the future, bolstered by its new membership in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), its coaching staff and a $25 million renovation of its archaic football stadium.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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But while the word’s general usage sounds more than a little archaic in the 21st century, its application to a particular kind of deceit prohibited in war remains active law.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The down-time feeling immediate.—
Antonia Quirke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
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Dent curled around a down screen and drove for a floater.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
His choices allow the viewer to drink in the intimate details of the ruined world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The pair led City to the Third Division title in May 1985, but triumph turned to tragedy on the final day of the season as the antiquated main stand caught fire with devastating consequences.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Insufferable antiquated federal standards reflect low expectations that do not meet the modern day needs of working New Yorkers.—
Gian Carlo Pedulla,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kaput.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kaput. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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