Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective venerable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of venerable are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, and old. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

When might ancient be a better fit than venerable?

While in some cases nearly identical to venerable, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

In what contexts can antiquated take the place of venerable?

The synonyms antiquated and venerable are sometimes interchangeable, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When is antique a more appropriate choice than venerable?

The meanings of antique and venerable largely overlap; however, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When would archaic be a good substitute for venerable?

While the synonyms archaic and venerable are close in meaning, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

Where would obsolete be a reasonable alternative to venerable?

In some situations, the words obsolete and venerable are roughly equivalent. However, obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence.

a computer that makes earlier models obsolete

When could old be used to replace venerable?

The words old and venerable can be used in similar contexts, but old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

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 venerable An urban sycamore claimed its space regardless of enclosing cement and car exhaust, as spectacular and venerable as any sycamore in the state. Melina Sempill Watts, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 The book, published by the venerable San Francisco press, takes a look at the changes people made during the COVID-19 lockdowns and offers a cautiously hopeful view of humanity going forward. Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 The atmosphere was light and fun, but there was no mistaking this relatively new addition to the Olympic Games for the venerable 5x5 game. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 June 2025 Southern Living, the venerable voice on all things Southern, has included a Charlotte restaurant on its recent list of can’t-miss spots for summertime tomatoes. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for venerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venerable
Adjective
  • The theory of natural selection persevered, and the lengthy record of our ancient roots began to fill out.
    Laura Poppick, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
  • Scientists can deduce historic oxygen levels by analyzing ancient rocks (like Banded Iron Formations) because their chemical composition depend on the amount of oxygen available when they were formed.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Wildlife trafficking of turtles, parrots, and more in Mexico—with most transactions conducted on social media—is threatening the country’s revered biodiversity.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
  • Thailand is America’s oldest ally in Asia whose revered palace historically served as a pillar of conservatism and permanence, as well as a bulwark against the communist fervor engulfing its Southeast Asian neighbors.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The older elephants surround it, allowing the youngster to relax and play in the water while being protected from crocodiles lurking nearby.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • In one scene, Agnes is wearing a pair of chunky combat boots, and old, worn pages of her thesis are taped to her window.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no denying that the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle car tipped the scale toward kitsch, adding flares, spoilers, and a set of cringeworthy decals—available as of 1973 as a $55 option—to an otherwise respectable design.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • Zeller was taken ahead of the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steven Adams, a pair of big men who’ve had more than respectable careers.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Walking inside, you’re met with period details that anchor the home in its early 20th-century roots: antique doors, wrought iron railings, hardwood floors, and lofty ceilings create a warm, timeless atmosphere.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
  • Her aunt doesn’t have time to take her sightseeing, her cousin Céline is cool and dismissive, and her grandmother, who runs an antique shop, is distraught when a precious family heirloom—a drawing by Matisse—goes missing.
    Caroline Carlson June 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Carved into chalk more than 1,600 years ago, the vaulted caverns at Taittinger stretch nearly 60 feet underground, their walls layered with remnants of Roman quarries, medieval crypts and Benedictine abbey foundations.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • On Thursday night, celebrities gathered for a kick-off event at the medieval Madonna dell’Orto cloister.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Venerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venerable. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on venerable

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