old-world

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈwər(-ə)ld How to pronounce old-world (audio)
Definition of old-worldnext
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time the theater has been painstakingly restored to its old-world elegance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-world Situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Venice is the kind of beach town that seamlessly blends natural beauty with old-world charm. — Abby Price, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 Driven by a growing panic over fast-evolving Chinese tech competitors, the old-world rivals are abandoning the tradition of corporate secrecy. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026 Anderson’s collection was about formality losing its grip — tuxedos loosened, denim ripped, sequins flashing, disco-ball boots stepping through a house built on old-world taste. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 This look is perfect for modern farmhouse styles and old-world or country aesthetics. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-world
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-world
  1. vintage
  2. antique
  3. retro
  4. traditional
  5. historical
  6. historic
  7. antiquated
  8. old-time
Adjective
  • The trio, each of whom has completely opposing personas, of course, set out on a road trip from New York City to Los Angeles in a vintage Cadillac to attend the Drag Queen of America pageant.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • The French Laundry has assembled a remarkable collection of rare and vintage spirits, including Scotch whisky, bourbon, Cognac, Armagnac and Chartreuse.
    — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • For the event, Vitale slipped into a sleeveless minidress in antique yellow.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • Keep in mind, too, that thrift stores generally operate on a donation basis, whereas antique stores may operate on consignment, adds Jennifer Johnson, the owner of True Fashionistas, the largest lifestyle resale and consignment store in Florida.
    — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • With her retro-soul rasp and ’60s style aesthetic, the English singer-songwriter, 20, has quickly become one of the biggest breakthrough acts of the year.
    — Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The Weather Channel app has added a retro feature that presents real-time data in aesthetics that nod to the brand’s broadcast graphics from the 1980s and 1990s.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • The Spanish artist Guitarricadelafuente, known for his modern-meets-traditional folk sounds, made his television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
  • Beondegi, for example, is a traditional steamed silkworm pupae snack served by street vendors in paper cups.
    — Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The 1968 Benchmark The late 1960s marked the historical high-water mark for the real value of the federal minimum wage.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China has no legal basis to claim historical rights to the bulk of the South China Sea.
    — Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • The storm system that caused historic flooding in West Virginia Tuesday into Wednesday and wreaked havoc from the Ohio Valley to the East Coast will linger across Virginia and the Southeast through the end of the week.
    — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • For many, its mix of Victorian-era architecture and historic landmarks is worth the trip alone.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Some guardrail injuries result from antiquated designs, or designs that manufacturers know to be dangerous.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • But Merrywood’s charms, both elegant and antiquated, might face the wrecking ball later this year.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 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

old wives' tales
old-world
oleaginous
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Cite this Entry

“Old-world.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-world. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of old-world for Spanish Speakers

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