as in obsolete
having passed its time of use or usefulness
outworn clothes with holes in them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in outlived
to last longer than
these running shoes have outworn any others that I have ever bought
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in worn
to use up all the physical energy of
a daily grind that would outwear anybody
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 outworn
Cassie Werber, Quartz, 7 June 2022
This colossal tactical error has been compounded by the lingering centrist deference to a long-outworn image of the Supreme Court as a grand impartial arbiter of constitutional outcomes.
—Chris Lehmann, The New Republic, 10 Feb. 2022
So, the high temperature of 62 seemed an obvious anachronism, an outdated and outworn remnant of earlier times.
—Washington Post, 9 May 2021
With his understanding of and affection for the hardy inhabitants of the mountainous American West, Walker-Silverman brings a new and tender radiance to the idea of regional filmmaking, along with an awareness of outworn stereotypes.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
In the week to come use the opportunities and insights that arise to rid yourself of outworn ideas, attitudes and habits.
—Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, 11 Aug. 2019
Sartorial inheritance is perhaps innocuous, even if personally significant, whereas conflating outworn ideas of identity with homage is profoundly dangerous.
—Aram Mrjoian, Longreads, 15 June 2019
This was not a forgone conclusion at the time; indeed, during the 1930s, democracy was widely viewed as an outworn political form.
—Taeku Lee, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2013
Adjective
Perhaps that’s the legacy of outworn stereotypes about corruption or a lack of the type of political will that’s brought more rapid changes to corporate governance and sustainable investing standards in, for example, some Nordic countries.
—Cassie Werber, Quartz, 7 June 2022
This colossal tactical error has been compounded by the lingering centrist deference to a long-outworn image of the Supreme Court as a grand impartial arbiter of constitutional outcomes.
—Chris Lehmann, The New Republic, 10 Feb. 2022
So, the high temperature of 62 seemed an obvious anachronism, an outdated and outworn remnant of earlier times.
—Washington Post, 9 May 2021
With his understanding of and affection for the hardy inhabitants of the mountainous American West, Walker-Silverman brings a new and tender radiance to the idea of regional filmmaking, along with an awareness of outworn stereotypes.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
In the week to come use the opportunities and insights that arise to rid yourself of outworn ideas, attitudes and habits.
—Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, 11 Aug. 2019
Sartorial inheritance is perhaps innocuous, even if personally significant, whereas conflating outworn ideas of identity with homage is profoundly dangerous.
—Aram Mrjoian, Longreads, 15 June 2019
This was not a forgone conclusion at the time; indeed, during the 1930s, democracy was widely viewed as an outworn political form.
—Taeku Lee, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2013
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outworn
Adjective
-
In this new era of stakeholder management, however, broad frameworks, generalized commitments, and aspirational language are obsolete.—
Martin Whittaker,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
If the item still works but is obsolete (like a DVD player or VHS tape deck), try posting it in a local Buy Nothing or Freecycling group.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At 91, Frank had outlived many of the people closest to him.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But Adams outlived that prediction, livestreaming from his hospital bed during a stay for radiation treatment before Christmas and picking up again from his bed at home after that.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With only 12 weeks to pull together a wardrobe for the cast, and few of Jones’s old clothing in the archives, Rowe recreated some historical looks— such as the infamous red penguin-print pajama set (a version of the pajama top is worn by Jones on a school run in the new film).—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Few accessories are so simple as the beanie, whose provenance can be traced back to a simple woolen cap worn by laborers in the late Medieval period.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Now, athletes should be able to dissect loopholes within the archaic NCAA eligibility system, which seems to be dissolving slowly in real time.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
He is also survived by a sixth child, Ashley.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
He is survived by two sons, David and Eric, and three grandchildren.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Plus, their fabric and fill are less likely to accrue that ever-darkening yellowish stain that tired goose down pillows acquire over time, thanks to sweat, oils, lotion residues, etc.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Many blue-city residents who have noticed a decrease in crime surely appreciate the safer streets, an environment that tired old No Kings boomers will never have to navigate.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The hospitals struggled over the years under the company with inadequate staffing and antiquated equipment.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
-
New York City must overhaul our antiquated, closed primary system.—
Torsha Childs,
New York Daily News,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jacob Klass poured in 27 points as Beverly (16-4) outlasted Charlestown 70-68 to take home the Comcast Tournament crown.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
-
After Richardson and Hayes were eliminated, Johnson outlasted Bryant in the final round to win the event.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outworn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outworn. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
