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 And with the advent of AI-everything, cutouts are old-world antidotes, imbuing a cabinet with a sense of nostalgia, emphasis on craft, and cozy flair. — Kelsey Mulvey, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 If you’re inspired by the old-world charm of Kloss’s outfit, try this blouse. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 But its old-world sense of adventure, thanks to direct access to the Golden Outback—the western region of the country’s vast interior, with ties to the gold rush of the late 1800s—has remained. — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 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 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
  • Erin Parsons is turning her sprawling collection of rare and vintage beauty products into an online makeup museum.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But vintage bentwood chairs produced later are one of Williamson’s picks for older styles that continue to find a place in contemporary interiors.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Get the antique style by opting for a solid wood shelf with traditional trim.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, limestone walls and old stone arches play into the traditional Cycladic style; though more recent renovations, including a burgundy marble kitchen floor and antique brass outdoor shower, give it an elevated spin.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • Adorned with retro wooden paneling, flashes of pistachio-green and pink Formica, and architectural murals that reimagine the glass decoration of Milan’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping emporium, the space evokes a classic Milanese café.
    — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye Jelly Boat Shoes are a playful spin on the classic boat shoe, with a retro transparent coating and nautically-inspired laces.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said the legislation targets large companies that use extensive consumer data to maximize profits rather than small businesses offering traditional discounts or coupons.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The beauty lies in part to its gothic Ford Complex — funded by Henry Ford and his wife — and the many historical buildings that wound up earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
    — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • After all, household debt balances are elevated, borrowing costs are still expensive by historical standards and inflation is driving up the costs of just about everything, adding pressure to borrowers' budgets.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • The Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs will follow in early July and then the series will shift to historic Saratoga for the Jim Dandy Stakes (late July, early August) and Travers Stakes (late August).
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • These pictorial cards also capture scenes along the Fox River, as well as schools, churches, hotels, historic buildings, bridges, the railroad, events and celebrations.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Comptroller Brooke Lierman acknowledged that Maryland needed to improve its return rate and modernize its antiquated systems.
    — Mark Lewyn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
    — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-world.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-world. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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