old-school

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˌskül How to pronounce old-school (audio)
Definition of old-schoolnext
1
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time an old-school romantic comedy in which the two leads don't jump into bed at the first opportunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions an old-school gentleman who opened doors and pulled out chairs for women

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-school Gateway wants to pound the football old-school and then play tough defense. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Where to Eat and Drink Thomas Cafe Dating back to 1933, according to the sign out front, Thomas Cafe is a Georgetown staple—and the definition of an old-school diner. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 Lulu and Georgia’s glass butter dish with a traditional silhouette and old-school etching feels like a stylish reedition of the dishes your grandparents grew up with. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 Vintage Halloween decor is making a comeback, bringing that old-school charm and plenty of nostalgia to spooky season this year. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-school
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-school
  1. vintage
  2. traditional
  3. retro
  4. conservative
  5. antique
  6. orthodox
  7. antiquated
  8. old-time
Adjective
  • The Soft Symmetry is crafted in both a smooth calf leather, with a gleaming gold lock closure, and a vintage leather, with accompanying matte silver hardware that gives it an intentionally patinaed look and slouchy feel.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The rooms are furnished with just the right amount of country Western kitsch, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, Pendleton blankets, and vintage paintings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Large flower arrangements lie on the pile of earth; a traditional embroidered cloth drapes over the cross.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This new stromal cell injection shifts the focus from traditional pain management to regenerative treatment.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Roughly 10 miles from downtown in North Austin’s Domain district, this four-acre western-style retro hotel is near tech offices and steps from a wide mix of dining, designer shopping, and Rock Rose, the area’s nightlife hub.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Habity Design The Habity bedside clock looks like a familiar retro alarm clock, but inside sits a low-power e-paper screen, a speaker, and a small collection of calming sounds.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • The most prominent recent example would be the 2023 claim by conservative activist Christopher Rufo that Claudine Gay, then serving as president of Harvard, had engaged in multiple acts of plagiarism.
    — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In her previous job as mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum expressed outrage when a conservative critic proposed publicizing a list of prominent supporters of her leftist Morena political party.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • The 1950s coffee table is topped with an antique metal Korean grain smasher.
    — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sumptuously furnished with vintage and antique decor, the rooms make a statement through bold colors, custom kimono bathrobes, and handmade Hästens beds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • The language remains the primary tongue of growing ultra-orthodox Jewish communities from New York to Israel, creating a demand for print and other forms of media in the Yiddish language.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Today, satellite television barely exists — even cable is antiquated.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • The shop, both a drug store and old-time fountain shop, offers fountain sodas as well as subs and sandwiches.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Old Sacramento took on an old-time German flair on Friday night as customers wore traditional dress to celebrate the opening of Der Biergarten Waterfront.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of old-time

Browse Nearby Words

olds
old-school
oldster
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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-school. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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