old-fashioned

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈfa-shənd How to pronounce old-fashioned (audio)
Definition of old-fashionednext
1
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time an elegant, old-fashioned bun that was held in place with pearl hairpins

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions I'm so old-fashioned that I actually think people should use standard grammar and punctuation when composing e-mails

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-fashioned That gives the car a charming, old-fashioned feel that belies the modern tech within. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 June 2026 These provers, along with old-fashioned human ingenuity, knocked down the open questions one at a time. — Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026 According to the Washingtonian, an old-fashioned telephone guest book was provided at the reception for guests to share advice for the couple. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Ultimately, the team identified the Heaven Sword the old-fashioned way — by scaling the massive tree and dropping a tape measure from the top, according to a study published Friday in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-fashioned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-fashioned
  1. vintage
  2. traditional
  3. antique
  4. conservative
  5. retro
  6. orthodox
  7. antiquated
  8. historical
Adjective
  • Erin Parsons is turning her sprawling collection of rare and vintage beauty products into an online makeup museum.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But vintage bentwood chairs produced later are one of Williamson’s picks for older styles that continue to find a place in contemporary interiors.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Despite a bear market, Schwab responded to client demand for consolidating crypto alongside traditional investments.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The secret mission was carried out without the knowledge of members of the press traveling with the president and even some White House officials who were still aboard the old traditional Air Force One.
    — Isabella Murray, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Get the antique style by opting for a solid wood shelf with traditional trim.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, limestone walls and old stone arches play into the traditional Cycladic style; though more recent renovations, including a burgundy marble kitchen floor and antique brass outdoor shower, give it an elevated spin.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • Afghanistan was still a conservative society shaped by years of conflict, and students knew that certain questions could be misunderstood, draw unwanted attention or upset teachers and classmates.
    — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The delay is considered the first controversy of the country’s new government, led by conservative President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday.
    — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • From retro denim totes to backpacks, mini styles for kids and park-ready packable bags, the collection combines BÉIS’ signature travel friendly functionality with playful Disney details.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Casual tees, in general, have dominated the summer 2026 trend cycle, between retro striped ringer tees and rugby polos to raglan shirts and sports jerseys.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • More to Explore Mindful of the cultural importance of orthodox Islam, Singaporean practitioners respond to religious authorities’ objections in various ways.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Nobody had the chance to play as an orthodox right-winger until Ruben Amorim’s exit in January.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • Comptroller Brooke Lierman acknowledged that Maryland needed to improve its return rate and modernize its antiquated systems.
    — Mark Lewyn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
    — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • More information is available about the Maroon Creek Bridge, Aspen's railroad history and other local historical stories at the Aspen Historical Society website.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • To Ramos, the bill represents a step toward reversing the long list of historical wrongs against Native Americans, including those perpetrated by the state government.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of historical

Browse Nearby Words

oldfangled
old-fashioned
old-fashionedness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-fashioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-fashioned. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on old-fashioned

Nglish: Translation of old-fashioned for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All