Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obsolete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of obsolete are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence.

a computer that makes earlier models obsolete

When could ancient be used to replace obsolete?

The synonyms ancient and obsolete are sometimes interchangeable, but ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

Where would antiquated be a reasonable alternative to obsolete?

While in some cases nearly identical to obsolete, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

In what contexts can antique take the place of obsolete?

The words antique and obsolete can be used in similar contexts, but antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is archaic a more appropriate choice than obsolete?

In some situations, the words archaic and obsolete are roughly equivalent. However, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When might old be a better fit than obsolete?

Although the words old and obsolete have much in common, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When would venerable be a good substitute for obsolete?

The meanings of venerable and obsolete largely overlap; however, venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

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 obsolete Finally, Windows PCs can still run software programmed decades ago, while macOS version updates regularly make older apps obsolete. PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025 While researching my book, astronomer Geoff Marcy, a co-discoverer of several of the first hot Jupiters, quipped that in 30 years-time his own role in exoplanet hunting would seem obsolete. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 But unlike the streamers, Wall stresses, VideoAmp isn’t trying to make the traditional business models obsolete. Tyler Aquilina, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 Some have identified this current period in business as the Great Flattening, where AI puts vast reservoirs of knowledge at everyone’s fingertips in just milliseconds, making many middle managers and other knowledge workers obsolete. George Pesansky, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
Adjective
  • As a result, the timeline for Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis — archaic humans who disappeared from Europe and Central Asia around 40,000 years ago and are known to have lived alongside the Denisovans — has also been shifted.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • As One of Us gleefully samples multiple registers—comic, tragic, satiric, elegiac, poetic—its mesh of archaic and contemporary styles becomes something quite arresting, a joy to read … Chaon’s beautiful novel insists on answers.
    Book Marks September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the solid axles also pair with the steering to produce the most antiquated element of an Ineos—either the SUV or truck.
    Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
  • At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bettany played English poet and writer Geoffrey Chaucer in the medieval action-comedy, which starred Ledger as William Thatcher, a peasant squire, fueled by his desire for food and glory, who forges a new identity for himself as a knight when his master dies.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The movie was set in medieval times, and blended action, comedy and modern pop culture.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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