medieval

adjective

ˌmē-ˈdē-vəl How to pronounce medieval (audio)
variants also mediaeval
Definition of medievalnext
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness get rid of that medieval kerosene stove—it stinks and it's dangerous

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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 medieval In medieval literature the dragon’s refusal to share its wealth symbolizes chaos, greed, and the social harm caused when valuable resources are removed from circulation. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 The town served as a Genoese naval outpost during the medieval rivalry with Pisa, and the hotel’s arched colonnades of the original cloister still stand atop rooms that face Palmaria Island or the Gulf itself. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 July 2026 David Nikel Baltic cruise itineraries are filled with attractive old towns, medieval streets and grand waterfronts. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The wife of King James II of Aragon, Elisenda, founded the monastery in 1326 — and to mark its 700th anniversary, researchers wrapped up a multidisciplinary investigation into its medieval tombs. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for medieval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medieval
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. antiquated
  4. prehistoric
Adjective
  • The work doesn’t really get into the significance of these archaic sequences.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
  • The other branches—the archaic hominins, as scientists call them—include the Neanderthals, who lived across Europe and western Asia, and the Denisovans, who are known mostly from a handful of fossils found in Siberia and Tibet.
    — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • As vehicles age, OE on-board hardware becomes obsolete as cellular providers replace older technology and automakers stop investing in aging back-end stacks and features.
    — Michael Harley, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
  • Congress empowered this group of experts because its leadership recognized obsolete military bases needed to be closed or consolidated but individual lawmakers would inevitably block any changes to protect their home state facilities.
    — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • Founders Anton Juric and Niklas Lindgren developed the solution after recognizing significant inefficiencies and antiquated software in manual MEP design.
    — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Skip heavy drapes, oversized hutches, and large floral centerpieces, which read as antiquated.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 24 July 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • While the area was formerly covered by prehistoric lakes, today the water here mainly exists as seasonal wetlands, gurgling geysers, hot springs, and a hypersaline lake that’s saltier than the ocean.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
  • The species has remained unchanged since prehistoric times, finding ways to survive while other species became extinct, according to the San Diego Zoo.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of prehistoric

Browse Nearby Words

medics
medieval
mediocre
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Cite this Entry

“Medieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/medieval. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on medieval

Nglish: Translation of medieval for Spanish Speakers

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