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 Cute and tiny, with an old-school feel, especially in the hardwoods and the prewar layout. — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026 Prior to the pause, Verizon had told the FCC that the old-school copper networks will remain in place for areas where its replacement solution falls short of Commission standards. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Remember, this is an old-school program operating in a wild-west, NIL, transfer-portal landscape. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 The Social Reckoning is at its core an old-school shoe-leather journalism thriller. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Oct. 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
  • Retro Row, which is absolutely, in no uncertain terms, the best vintage shopping street in the Western United States — probably the Eastern and Midwestern as well.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Small details added personality to denim, from a red floral patch decorating the back pocket of a pair of jeans to designer and vintage belts.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • The conversation also addressed AI, with Velazquez comparing current anxieties to earlier fears that computer animation and motion capture would eliminate traditional animation jobs.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Fans care about rivalries among teams made up of students who generally progress through college and exhaust their eligibility alongside their classmates, rather than athletes whose college careers extend well beyond the traditional timeline.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Elsewhere Citroën is banking on retro-chic styling to distract consumers from the vehicle's minimalism.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The company known for its retro household fans laid off more than 70 factory workers in February, blaming higher prices for imported parts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • The agency cited a local news story, whose source for its reporting was an X post from conservative activist and social media influencer Scott Presler.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The task fell to Atomic Canyon, whose CEO Trey Lauderdale previously worked to integrate AI into health care, another conservative industry.
    — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • Everything is served on antique porcelain, mis-matched in design, yet unified in style.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This dresser accommodates all your clothing, linens, and more, while the antique brass knobs add a pretty design detail.
    — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • Garcia’s comes from standing up straight in his orthodox stance but is driven by his back leg, which propels him forward.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • King’s indifference to orthodox formats enables formal mischief.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • The antiquated federal code lacks any guidance for building these homes to withstand earthquakes, wildfires or tornadoes.
    — Arindam Chowdhury, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • While today's freezers are packed with ice cream flavors such as cookies and cream, salted caramel and mint chocolate chip, some old-time favorites seem to have melted away.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Everybody has a favorite old-time neighborhood pizza stand or cafe.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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