as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness
that literary style is a bit passé nowadays
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Recent Examples of passé
Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.
—
Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 24 July 2025
Cranston got himself the exact same watch because friendship bracelets are so passe.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2024
But these days, many of the traditional Olympic sports are beginning to feel passe to a younger generation.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024
But these days, many of the traditional Olympic sports are beginning to feel passe to a younger generation.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2024
That meant a dozen roses was passe and cottage-bohemian aesthetic arrangements were in.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 30 May 2024
Do’s and don’ts The bubble-gum pink of the ’60s is passe.
—Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
The idea of teaching classics in college is now passe.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2023
Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 24 July 2025
Cranston got himself the exact same watch because friendship bracelets are so passe.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2024
But these days, many of the traditional Olympic sports are beginning to feel passe to a younger generation.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024
But these days, many of the traditional Olympic sports are beginning to feel passe to a younger generation.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2024
That meant a dozen roses was passe and cottage-bohemian aesthetic arrangements were in.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 30 May 2024
Do’s and don’ts The bubble-gum pink of the ’60s is passe.
—Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
The idea of teaching classics in college is now passe.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passé
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
Adjective
-
Pros say stone mosaics, wood-look porcelain, and pastels feel dated and impractical.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The slogans that once trumpeted hustle culture now feel dated and frankly a little embarrassing.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Irish setters are prized for its 12- to 15-year life span and its beautiful, silky coat, which comes in a rusty red.—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The rampaging left-back did not look rusty in his comeback against Burnley in December after missing 12 games with a knee injury.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Passé.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass%C3%A9. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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