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 Federal agencies, local partners, landowners, and conservationists spent more than three decades, millions of dollars, and countless hours removing obsolete dams, restoring wetlands, and reintroducing fish populations to help pull the Roanoke logperch back from the brink. Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 The implication is that while enabling leaps forward in every aspect of our lives, AI could eventually render human intelligence obsolete. Marc Benioff, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 But these modest three-by-five-inch objects, now symbols of slow travel, are not obsolete souvenirs. Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025 Mark Monmonier, a Syracuse University professor of geography, said the Mercator projection is obsolete and geographers have long advised people to not use it as a world map. Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 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
  • Airbnb co-founder @jgebbia is working with @DOGE to digitize the government's antiquated retirement process — which is literally housed in 22,000 filing cabinets in a Pennsylvania cave.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Similarly, with the industry under fire, there’s a strong incentive to chip away at antiquated laws that mostly protect entrenched incumbents at the expense of consumers and business innovators.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolete

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