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 This native tree is a deciduous conifer with feathery foliage that turns a beautiful rusty orange in fall. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026 The initial phase of work first began around two years ago, removing the metal silos and other immediately dangerous items, like ladders frequently used by trespassers and rusty metal pieces around the property. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 Alcaraz also played in the mixed doubles event, looking rusty while partnering with Serena Williams to win one match before falling. — Brian Mahoney, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Byblow says earth tones will be major this season — think rusty red, forest green, burnt orange, and chocolate brown. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rusty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rusty

Adjective

Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Li said that Yunnan would have offered our archaic human relatives a hospitable climate, rich in plant and animal life.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

Now life was like that; some days fine and firm and full of whatever, while other days the hoarse bark of the neighbors’ dog or a friend’s grim diagnosis and her body succumbed to an emotional gravity that pulled her into a free fall.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Singers didn’t want their voices to get hoarse over the long night or week.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hoarse

Adjective

In Dallas, a data center built in the 1980s became obsolete as a data center and was converted into a warehouse.

— Rafi Golberstein, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Replacing obsolete systems and components LANSCE’s aging infrastructure has become increasingly difficult to maintain.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Adjective

We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Arnold Roma became one of the most persistent voices behind an effort to resurrect Fire Patrol, arguing that New York had lost more than an antiquated insurance service.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of antiquated

Adjective

Her husky voice made Pugh, as an up-and-comer, seem wise beyond her years in breakout roles as a Machiavellian teenage bride in Lady Macbeth and an actor turned spy in The Little Drummer Girl.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of husky

Adjective

The song is filled with medieval antisemitism about shadowy figures, dark money and power as the force controlling the media and the government.

— Kenneth L. Marcus, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Behind the thick, almost medieval-looking door, a mountain of a man stands in the dark entrance—the first line of defense against the plebs of Bedford Street.

— Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of medieval

Adjective

The 30-year-old actress, who was named the Chinese brand ambassador for Kors last March, made her acting debut at 10 and has played numerous roles in historical, fantasy and romantic dramas.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
The backstory Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005 on the site of the old Desert Inn, with Encore following in 2008; the big move was pulling spectacle inside instead of giving it away free at the curb.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

rusts

rusty

rut

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“Rusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rusty. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rusty

adjective

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