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 Inside, long wooden tables and an extensive list of 50 beers on tap create a lively, old-world setting; outside, the street party adds music, games and seasonal pours. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 14 Sep. 2026 Some people like old-world charm and zealously seek to preserve it. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026 Today, fifth-generation Fiorentinos are the custodians of this old-world, grandest of grand hotels, nearing its 200th anniversary. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Now at the National Museum of American History, the vanilla silk crepe dress, with its single waterfall ruffle and narrow claret ribbon at the waist, hinted at old-world craft and restraint. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • Annals are historical records arranged by year; the clue leverages the entry’s singular form to misdirect us.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Although robust buyer demand briefly drove yields down to session lows following the auction, yield levels above 5% remain substantially higher than the historical norm over the past decade.
    — , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • The series follows the Canadian team’s historic run to the World Cup final, where they were ultimately toppled by host country England, going down 33-13 in front of a sellout crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham Stadium in South West London.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • America was shoddy caulk oozing from a vinyl arc in a historic heatwave.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of historic
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
  • Bluegrass jams attract spectators who marvel at the players’ pyrotechnics; old-time jams get people on their feet.
    — David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But On the Rocks has the potential to draw customers to Burleson from far around for an old-time Italian restaurant experience with pastas and grill dishes, cocktails, wines and a piano bar.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of old-time

Browse Nearby Words

old wives' tales
old-world
oleaginous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-world.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-world. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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