OLD-SCHOOL Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

old-school

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˌskül

Definition of old-school

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

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 Over-the-top activities and old-school cruise traditions done with a contemporary flair. — Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Maisel and Mahoney point to at least three reasons why real-world markets behave differently than old-school economics would predict. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 7 July 2026 On Saturday night, the visibility faded to a point where the old-school scoreboard above the center-field bleachers could not be seen from the press box high atop the Friendly Confines. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Dovetail Brewery Focusing exclusively on Continental European styles like their smooth and coppery Vienna Lager, Dovetail has an old-school, pretzels-and-sausage vibe. — Midwest Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-school

Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-school

Adjective

An Oregon teenager paid $3 for a vintage uniform worn by one of basketball’s all-time greats.

— Casey Parks, Washington Post, 18 July 2026
Coral necklaces are enjoying a new wave of popularity thanks to the resurgence of vintage aesthetics and, above all, the magnificent jewelry of the 1980s, now highly sought-after at flea markets and specialty shops.

— Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 July 2026

Definition of vintage

Adjective

Meanwhile, traditional efforts to take undocumented immigrants into custody from their homes have become less effective.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of traditional

Adjective

El Dorado County paid former Public Health Director Jennifer Byrne $75,000 to resign, plus roughly $59,000 in administrative leave pay, in a settlement stemming from Instagram posts about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Why This Belongs In The Finance Seat The CFO is the most conservative person in the building, so handing them an emerging technology to drive sounds backward.

— David Zwick, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of conservative

Adjective

Its lacy layers, flutter sleeves, and antique white color also lend it enough charisma to play the leading role in a fairy tale.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 11 July 2026
To the right of the sink is a Thermador double oven, while on an adjacent wall is an island with an antique brick facade and a four-burner cooktop next to a stainless steel countertop.

— Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Definition of antique

Adjective

Tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews, sometimes called Haredi, have refused conscription into the Israeli militia on religious grounds.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
The 28-year-old struggled in Amorim’s 4-3-2-1 system, but Carrick has largely used a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 shape since taking over, making room for Rashford on the left side of the forward line.

— Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of orthodox

Adjective

But Merrywood’s charms, both elegant and antiquated, might face the wrecking ball later this year.

— Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
During his Superman press tour last year, Nicholas Hoult paraded around New York City wearing oversized totes, including the Prada Buckle antiquated leather bag.

— Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 10 July 2026

Definition of antiquated

Browse Nearby Words

olds

old-school

oldster

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“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-school. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of old-school

adjective

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