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 This drag fellowship begins to wreak havoc in the secluded state that echoes medieval times. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 The ship is a modern Norwegian vessel called Draken Harald Hårfagre built to resemble a medieval Viking galley. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 Burgos Famed for its medieval architecture, this provincial capital will be busy for the eclipse, but pay close attention to sight lines. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 5 July 2026 Enter Peskesi and the dozens of regenerative and natural wineries scattered across the southwest of Crete near quiet, picturesque Chania, which form its wine trail, a range from medieval-palace tasting rooms to sprawling vineyard operations. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for medieval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medieval
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. antiquated
  4. prehistoric
Adjective
  • The Spanish is archaic, the intonations are complicated, and the words tumble over themselves like a hard charge toward the goal posts.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • For golf cart operators, that evolution absolutely begins by ditching archaic lead-acid relics engineered for a bygone era.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • My role as documentarian, gatekeeper, and distributor of memories was becoming obsolete.
    — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026
  • But after a century, changing technology had rendered the works obsolete.
    — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • But Merrywood’s charms, both elegant and antiquated, might face the wrecking ball later this year.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • That coinage quickly grew antiquated as programming costs necessitated steady price increases.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Millions of years ago, the peaceful water, lack of scavengers, and fine sediment created perfect conditions for preserving these plentiful prehistoric fossils—fish, alligators, stingrays, turtles, and even small horses have been found here.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • The site dates to Thailand’s late prehistoric period, also known as the Iron Age, which lasted roughly 2,500 to 1,500 years ago.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on medieval

Nglish: Translation of medieval for Spanish Speakers

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