RUSTY Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

rusty

adjective

ˈrə-stē

Definition of rusty

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

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 Instead of building on that momentum, the Quakes returned looking rusty, suffering their most lopsided defeat since June 2024. — Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites the community to take part in the eighth annual Rusty Rodeo, a free, family-friendly event focused on removing invasive rusty crayfish from local waterways, district officials said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Pulisic looked rusty while getting his first start since the group stage opener when he was subbed out at halftime with a calf injury. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 Your neighbors probably won't be bothered by your weedy flower beds or rusty lawn furniture. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rusty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rusty

Adjective

The work doesn’t really get into the significance of these archaic sequences.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
The other branches—the archaic hominins, as scientists call them—include the Neanderthals, who lived across Europe and western Asia, and the Denisovans, who are known mostly from a handful of fossils found in Siberia and Tibet.

— Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 30 July 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The other was a tearing beauty, a creature so lovely that one look at her sent young men’s blood pressure skyward and set them to uttering wild, hoarse cries and tearing telephone directories apart with the bare hands.

— John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026

Definition of hoarse

Adjective

This drives lenders to demand aggressive loan amortization schedules to pay down the debt before the tech becomes obsolete.

— Dr. Dick Bridy, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The perfection of satellite and fiber-optic communications made microwaves obsolete, while the rapid development of modern computers turned the gubbins on the lower floors into museum pieces.

— David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Adjective

Matt Damon plays Odysseus as a gruff, practical tactician, rather than an energetically inventive and morally dubious schemer.

— Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.

— Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Founders Anton Juric and Niklas Lindgren developed the solution after recognizing significant inefficiencies and antiquated software in manual MEP design.

— David Prosser, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Skip heavy drapes, oversized hutches, and large floral centerpieces, which read as antiquated.

— Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 24 July 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

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was spotted by plainclothes federal agents who observed odd behavior and subsequently contacted the Lomita Sheriff Department deputies.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
In honor of the upcoming movie, the All Roads Lead to Camp bus is touring across the country and bringing fans, new and old, into the world of Camp Rock, PEOPLE previously revealed exclusively.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of old

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rusts

rusty

rut

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Style

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

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Synonyms of rusty

adjective

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