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 By then, Russia’s supposed mastery of modern drone warfare will probably be obsolete. Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025 The electric system is underperforming because utilities and energy companies don’t get rewarded for making the existing system operate more efficiently or adopting new technologies that could render outdated systems obsolete. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 The episode opens with Charles providing a little history lesson about how the rise of automobiles in the 1910s rendered the horse stables under the building obsolete. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025 Simple no-cost steps include turning on Night Shift, while buying blue light glasses is a relatively inexpensive alternative to investing in a costly new eye-friendly display that NaturaSynth may one day make obsolete. PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
Adjective
  • But Vermont, unfortunately, has a lot of archaic politics that allow a lot of abuse of wildlife.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Innovations in new platforms and streaming services must provide greater accessibility and affordability while eliminating archaic rules that impede growth such as blackout restrictions.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While traditional wisdom may say to avoid white linen pants after Labor Day, fashion-forward travelers ditched that antiquated rule years ago.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • So there is nothing to displace the antiquated image of a pyramid of boxes that remains implanted in our brains.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Families love Split for its walkable Old Town, beaches, and ferry access to islands like Hvar and Korčula, where kids can swim while grandparents explore medieval towns.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, medieval culture produced apocalyptic thinking.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolete

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