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 Paired with solid-color cotton bedding, the ticking stripe adds just a touch of texture and pattern without leaning too heavily into the old-world look. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2026 That substance shows up in the little things that elevate a big house into a memorable one — intricate millwork, triple crown molding and custom touches that give the home a cohesive, old-world richness rather than a patchwork of trends. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Located in Lymington, The Cot is a small and cozy cottage with old-world charm. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 As long as the new event, and the new cars, can retain the old-world charm that made Singer a fixture at Goodwood for so many years in the first place. — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • Kids had their stash of Beanie Babies, while moms had their vintage plate collections displayed in a china cabinet or on their walls.
    — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
  • For Halloween, look for the more interesting items that can’t be found in retail stores, such as vintage items like blow molds and anything paper mâché.
    — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Consider looking for these pieces at a souvenir shop on your next beach vacation or at an antique store, which will give them a special meaning.
    — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Winnetu Oceanside Resort offers a respite from the hustle and bustle with a gamut of activities that run from tennis and yoga to a ride on an antique fire truck.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • Accented by aged brass and deep brown marble, the lamp easily flits between retro and moodier contemporary styles.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The fall 2026 campaign, shot by photographer Matt Easton, depicts Hilton next to stacks of retro TV sets broadcasting Not-Karl wearing a dark suit, tie and white shirt with a high collar.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the business of journalism has changed so much financially, and a third of journalists don’t work for a traditional news organization.
    — Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Bonesho said this latest interpretation doesn’t lessen the artifact’s historical importance.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to the historical displays and remembrances, Bennett said, there will be music courtesy of local band Emerald City and games and activities for children.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague on Monday ruled in Pakistan's favor over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, saying the historic pact remains fully binding and that India had no valid grounds for ending or suspending it.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This design is directly inspired by a historic Leroy tact watch created in 1810, today preserved at the Patek Philippe Museum.
    — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Costco online cake ordering updates antiquated system The online cake ordering feature was first revealed to be on the way by Costco CEO Ron Vachris in the company's quarterly earnings call in December 2025.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • For this tigress, the elder Singh urged a haka, an old-time beat.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The shop, both a drug store and old-time fountain shop, offers fountain sodas as well as subs and sandwiches.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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