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 The site has not been fully shuttered - all the content that has been published in the past is still available as of now, although much of it will rapidly become obsolete if it is not updated. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 12 June 2025 The Switch itself is far from obsolete, despite being significantly less powerful than Sony‘s PlayStation and Microsoft‘s Xbox consoles, due largely to its hybrid design. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025 According to reliable projections, quantum systems could render obsolete the need for entire gigawatt-scale campuses of data centers — like the 16 million square feet and 5,000 MW center once proposed for Frederick County. Mark A. Aitken, Baltimore Sun, 9 June 2025 The reality is that siphoning road dollars for public transit would mean that critical projects to repair functionally obsolete bridges and unsafe roads in Cook County and across the state would no longer proceed as planned. Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
Adjective
  • And in the courts, Trump administration lawyers are digging deep into case law in search of archaic statutes that can be cited to justify the ongoing federal crackdown — including constitutional maneuvers invented to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • The Argentinian pope departed from archaic and ornate accessories favored by Pope Benedict XVI — including his bright red leather loafers — opting for humble, simple robes and sensible black shoes with an orthopedic sole.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • That said, there isn't a specific vehicle age where any car becomes so antiquated that it's rendered useless.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • Think here especially of the crumbling Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, or antiquated water and sewer system and aging bridges.
    Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The demand for the ephemera of genius might be viewed as an update on the medieval crowds who flocked to the (various) churches that claimed to have the foreskin of Christ.
    S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • The medieval heart of this 955-year-old city is home to one of the most high-tech waste management systems in the world.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obsolete

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!