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as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest even the most stirring speeches start to get old after you've heard them a few times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

old

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective old differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of old are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When can ancient be used instead of old?

While in some cases nearly identical to old, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When might antiquated be a better fit than old?

In some situations, the words antiquated and old are roughly equivalent. However, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When would antique be a good substitute for old?

The meanings of antique and old largely overlap; however, 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 old?

While the synonyms archaic and old are close in meaning, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

In what contexts can obsolete take the place of old?

The words obsolete and old are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use venerable instead of old?

The words venerable and old can be used in similar contexts, but 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 old
Adjective
Dream Forest Camp sessions run from mid-July through the end of August, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a range of activities designed for both 4–12 year olds and 12–15 year olds (snacks and lunch are included). Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 16 June 2025 In the last three years, the 1-800 number her organization runs has seen a spike in calls from 18 to 20 year olds, and calls from 21 to 25 year olds have tripled. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Noun
Finally, came from an unexpected source: the tiny, stone Presbyterian church that is one of the few surviving structures of the old Fort McDowell. Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025 Delaying tree harvests and protecting older forests enhances carbon sequestration, making untouched forests vital for reducing carbon dioxide and combating climate change. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for old
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old
Adjective
  • The former logo — which featured an elderly man with his arm resting on a barrel — has been replaced with a simpler version, sans old man and barrel.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025
  • This sparse drama follows Earl Stone (played by Eastwood, who also directed), a elderly veteran of the Korean War who has spent most of his life prioritizing his horticulture work over family.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With ancient mountain ranges and historic trails, Travelers Rest truly gets more beautiful with age.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Promising a mix of magic, mystery and teen drama set against the moody backdrop of New Orleans, Coven Academy follows a trio of teenage witches-in-training who are bound by destiny to guard their city against dangerous, ancient forces.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On social media, Michaels also spoke about rampant speculation surrounding her relationship with former costar Harper.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Donnie was terminated by the district March 31, according to a letter from former Superintendent Marty Pollio.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Stick with boring investments to avoid big mistakes from get-rich-quick schemes.
    Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Hosting every summit in a big European city would alleviate much of the pressure to re-invent the wheel every time with respect to hotels, transit, and other boring but essential logistical details.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, during antiquity, most statues depicting gods, heroes and politicians were later destroyed or melted down to make tools, such as weapons or even kitchen utensils, according to the University of Maryland.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Spain, known as Hispania in Ancient Rome, played a significant role during antiquity.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Higher costs Tariffs are disproportionately impacting Black business owners like Blackshear-Calloway and Dosso, said Andre Perry, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
    Arriana McLymore, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • According to Daniel Dale, senior reporter and fact-checker for CNN, all of these claims are false.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the past few months, the venerable USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), commissioned in 1976, completed the vessel’s 28th voyage to Antarctica.
    Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Now, the top floors of the venerable Doris Building in the center of New Britain have undergone a dramatic makeover into 24 apartments that Mayor Erin Stewart sees as more progress in downtown’s revival.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now, with another tough contract negotiation on the horizon, SAG-AFTRA is going to have to push forward without its erstwhile leader from Queens.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
  • For that is indeed the erstwhile marijuana mogul’s official job title, at least for now.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Old.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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