rusty

adjective

ˈrə-stē How to pronounce rusty (audio)
Definition of rustynext
1
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness rusty laws still on the books because no one bothered to repeal them

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound in a rusty voice the old man ordered us off his land

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 rusty Hinges Look for any hinges that appear loose, bent, or rusty. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Only a thin sliver of moon will escape Earth's umbra, appearing as a bright arc against an otherwise dim, rusty-red lunar disk. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Carrick won more points than any Premier League manager following his return to Old Trafford in January, but that was in a temporary capacity; the first competitive fixture of yet another new era concludes with a rusty old cannonball to the stomach. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 As the eclipse deepens, most of the moon will take on a rusty orange-red color. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rusty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rusty
  1. archaic
  2. hoarse
  3. obsolete
  4. gruff
  5. antiquated
  6. husky
  7. medieval
  8. old
Adjective
  • And Lukas’ father is at pains to cope with the situation without resorting to archaic methods of patriarchal control.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The rest were made with metalpoint, an archaic drafting technique closely associated with Renaissance drawing in Italy and Northern Europe.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Singers didn’t want their voices to get hoarse over the long night or week.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Saliva collects at the mouthpiece and distorts the notes, making the blasts sound hoarse and off-pitch.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hoarse
Adjective
  • And although, as a survey-style telescope, Roman boasts a wider, faster view of the sky than either Hubble or JWST, McEnery emphasized that doesn’t make these more focused missions obsolete.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The same practice can be revolutionary in one company, incremental in another, and obsolete in a third.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh was matched with Pete, the longtime rival of Mickey Mouse known for his gruff personality and larger-than-life presence.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • And this character archetype — a man with a gruff exterior but a good heart — would become a through-line for his career.
    — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • 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
  • Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Tyler, after a brief recovery period, returned to the recording studio with a huskier, edgier voice.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The extravagant, hi-NRG single showcased the breadth of Tyler’s husky grandeur, which proved a perfect fit for Giorgio Moroder.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of husky
Adjective
  • Castellón To the north, Castellón unfolds as a mountainous marvel where medieval citadels, golden beaches, and tiny fishing villages create a landscape of contrasts, with the scent of citrus perfuming the air.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The season 28 finale is less than a month away and after the medieval twist wraps up, the jury stage of the game will begin.
    — Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • The Dune star has five older half siblings from her father’s previous relationship.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Newcastle had depleted full-back resources and Jaissle was convinced the 24-year-old’s athleticism was ideal.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

rusts
rusty
rut
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Cite this Entry

“Rusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rusty. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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