OLDER Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

older

adjective

as in elderly

being of advanced years and especially past middle age an older woman was the chief librarian for the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for older

Adjective

Her contribution came at a time when one in three local Meals on Wheels America providers have a wait-list, with elderly citizens having to wait an average of four months for meals and services.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 July 2026
When Martín is kidnapped by a monster, Cleo ventures into the jungle to rescue him, aided by an elderly witch and a naughty anteater.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of elderly

Adjective

Meek, a 10-year-old Black girl, is grappling with her fears of nuclear Armageddon as more prosaic domestic concerns kick into high gear.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
However, that is changing as the US Department of Defense seeks more robust, less vulnerable power systems for military satellites that are less hazardous than the older spacecraft powered by uranium and plutonium.

— David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026

Definition of old

Adjective

First was an anti-aging and beauty-focused treatment that combined 20 minutes in a relaxingly warm red light bed with a Japanese Microbiome and Fermented Enzyme Facial.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
The Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm uniquely acts as both a moisturizer and a serum, combining intense hydration with anti-aging, skin-firming benefits.

— Melony Forcier, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of aging

Adjective

Follow in those well-heeled footsteps with wide-fit pairs in perfectly aged washes–Dior, Nili Lotan, and Chloé agree.

— Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026
There are several different rums in the lineup, including un-aged and barrel-aged versions, as well as a spiced rum that’s smoked over a peat fire to give it some of that classic Islay character.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 July 2026

Definition of aged

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.

Browse Nearby Words

olden

older

oldfangled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Older.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/older. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of older

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on older

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

implacable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes