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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 Over the years, Marco Polo has adapted to the neighborhood’s changing demographics by downplaying its old-world Italian extravagance. — Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 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 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 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
  • There's a game room with vintage arcade games and a pool table, a kids room package with a tent and foam twin mattress, a dog-friendly pet package, and a nightly s'mores hour.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The band’s brilliant but troubled producer, Martin Hannett, was far more interested in making guitars sound like machinery or a swarm of hornets than, say, a vintage Telecaster.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • This hotel’s raw concrete and brushed stainless steel are punctuated by pieces from Verner Panton, Tommaso Barbi, and Florian Schulz and, more surprisingly, antique castle doors.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • For the Hudson Valley ceremony, Aemilia wore a Kamparett dress, Prounis earrings, Alaia wedges, and an antique wax flower crown from eBay.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • This color choice was then replicated again for the shoe’s retro release in 2009.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • That someone with a voice as communicative and constantly evolving as Bridges is often reduced to a retro aesthete is a shame.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • As with its previous gear releases, PD EDC is bypassing traditional retail avenues to bring this project to fruition.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • More importantly, bonds are also almost certainly bigger than the traditional banking system—and probably crossed that mark sometime in the past decade, for the first time since both were invented a millennium ago.
    — Robin Wigglesworth, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • As the name reflected, the museum contained duelling missions from the start, showcasing American technological advances and telling a more general historical story.
    — Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Artists from various musical genres are coming together to take part in a new music project inspired by the series The Chosen, a historical drama based on the life and ministry of Jesus.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Because of this historic nature of the hotel, even rooms in the same class can vary in size.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The town of Oak Bluffs will be celebrated in Love on the Vineyard as one of America’s most historic Black communities.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Arnold Roma became one of the most persistent voices behind an effort to resurrect Fire Patrol, arguing that New York had lost more than an antiquated insurance service.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • 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
  • For this tigress, the elder Singh urged a haka, an old-time beat.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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