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 The ongoing sagas of Getz and Hoyer, two executives who got their jobs the old-school Chicago way — with no bothersome hiring searches conducted by their bosses — are ones that continue to fascinate me. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026 Built in 1836—predating Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions—this 4,000-square-foot residence epitomizes old-school Americana. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 In that case, the refreshingly old-school Prime Video teen drama Sterling Point might really hit the spot for Gen Z and their nostalgic elders. — Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2026 In a way, Warsh is a throwback to old-school central bankers who prized their absolute discretion in decision-making and rarely said or did anything that might compromise it. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 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
  • 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
  • Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said the legislation targets large companies that use extensive consumer data to maximize profits rather than small businesses offering traditional discounts or coupons.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Adorned with retro wooden paneling, flashes of pistachio-green and pink Formica, and architectural murals that reimagine the glass decoration of Milan’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping emporium, the space evokes a classic Milanese café.
    — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye Jelly Boat Shoes are a playful spin on the classic boat shoe, with a retro transparent coating and nautically-inspired laces.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • Restrictions have extended outside the classroom, with some teachers being fired or punished for criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Members of two conservative groups are planning a rally in support of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham outside of the United Center ahead of Saturday’s game against the Chicago Sky.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of conservative
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
  • 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
  • On just one unchanging set, an old-time concert hall designed by Rachel Hauck and made appropriately ominous, a tiny ensemble enacts a whole Greek tragedy of love and sacrifice that goes from the land of the living to the underworld and back.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Beyond the coasters, Cedar Point evokes an old-time Americana spirit as the second-oldest amusement park in the country (the oldest being the delightful Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut).
    — Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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