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 Thankfully, the rest of the attraction serves as a reminder that no computer wizardry can out-class old-school theater. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 As far as we're concerned, this old-school cold salad pairs well at any cookout. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 One40 Rooftop designs cocktails and food together to tell a story, while Salumeria Rosi offers traditional dessert pairings for an old-school Italian rhythm. — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Beyond its nostalgic appearance, the Boom 2 also delivers huge sound, like an old-school boombox. — Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 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
  • Jewelry, including earrings, rings, and a watch, was by Bulgari, with Trussardi sunglasses and a vintage Chanel handbag sourced from celebrity fave sourcer and vintage dealer Fashionphile.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • The lobby’s retro Sweet N’ Glow Salon’s color scheme is as pink as a packet of Sweet N’ Low sugar substitute, complete with beehive hair dryers, vintage magazines, and a kitschy wig collection.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Today, the industry has evolved well beyond those traditional procedures.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The Immaculata opened in 2023 and, according to the SSPX, is the biggest traditional Catholic church in the world.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The intentionally acoustically thoughtful hotel lounge is retro, warm, and built for nights that run late (similar to the one at Moxy’s Miami property).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • The brand’s retro-esque Rawlins sneakers have also been worn by Reese Witherspoon.
    — Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 7 July 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • Shaw, a conservative activist who is president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board, pointed out in an X post that voters had previously rejected four attempts to reshape the superintendent’s office.
    — Lia Russell July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over evidence in a weeklong hearing over the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • The event attracts over 60,000 spectators and showcases floats, marching bands, equestrians, dance groups, antique cars and community organizations.
    — Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • Quince Lightweight Coverlets For a vintage vibe, pick up this coverlet that has a channel stitch reminiscent of antique quilts.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • Rodriguez almost played as an auxiliary right-back instead of an orthodox right-winger, dropping deep and dictating play.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • In an age of intelligent machines, who gets to decide what is orthodox remains one of the most important questions a free society can ask.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • By wrapping antiquated infrastructure in agentic interfaces, these workers can unlock near-native operational efficiency without a risky, catastrophic core system overhaul.
    — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But what, exactly, is that robot doing watching fireworks next to a little boy and a man in antiquated garb?
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • An adventure with worms, good fat juicy old-time earthworms, moist and sexy and leaving their mucus on you.
    — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • This old-time favorite is always a good idea.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 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 Jul. 2026.

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