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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Set in 13th-century England, the medieval horror film also features period-appropriate language. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026 The song is filled with medieval antisemitism about shadowy figures, dark money and power as the force controlling the media and the government. — Kenneth L. Marcus, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026 Behind the thick, almost medieval-looking door, a mountain of a man stands in the dark entrance—the first line of defense against the plebs of Bedford Street. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 In 1997, archaeologists found nine medieval skeletons beneath the ground of a chapel within Stirling Castle. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for medieval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medieval
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. antiquated
  4. prehistoric
Adjective
  • Cornell University’s investigation, of course, did not have to adhere to New York’s arguably archaic criminal standards, but its response, too, has triggered anger and disbelief across airwaves and social media.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Yet most security programs follow a model that AI has made obsolete.
    — Taylor Morgan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence has also sparked growing fears that a traditional four-year college education will become obsolete.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, its green monochrome display will likely feel antiquated once full-color waveguide tech matures.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Stroll through the woods and encounter prehistoric scenes, luminous flowers, lantern art and a host of mythical creatures.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Think fewer flowers and more new prehistoric species named in your honor.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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