Synonyms of antiquated

antiquated

adjective

ˈan-tə-ˌkwā-təd 

as in archaic

having passed its time of use or usefulness

saw an antiquated hand-cranked rope-making machine at the textiles museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• archaic
• obsolete
• medieval
• rusty
• outmoded
• outdated
• prehistoric
• old
• dated
• out-of-date
• outworn
• useless
• defunct
• expired
• ancient
• fossilized
• discarded
• extinct
• superannuated
• neolithic
• moribund
• antique
• mossy
• Stone Age
• passé
• aging
• vintage
• historical
• historic
• obsolescent
• démodé
• unusable
• moth-eaten
• unworkable
• late
• disused
• retro
• Noachian
• demoded
• dead
• kaput
• venerable
• vanished
• antediluvian
• inoperable
• old-fashioned
• fusty
• past
• inert
• dormant
• aged
• inoperative
• musty
• latent
• idle
• inactive
• former
• old-time
• hoary
• free
• fallow
• old-world
• bygone
• atavistic
• erstwhile
• age-old
• dateless
• oldfangled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• modern
• current
• new
• contemporary
• recent
• present-day
• up-to-date
• newfangled
• ultramodern
• fresh
• modernized
• mod
• new-fashioned
• up-to-the-minute
• operational
• functional
• workable
• operating
• operable
• functioning
• operative
• active
• refurbished
• renewed
• remodeled
• busy
• employed
• alive

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antiquated differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antiquated are ancient, antique, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

Where would ancient be a reasonable alternative to antiquated?

The words ancient and antiquated are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When is it sensible to use antique instead of antiquated?

The words antique and antiquated can be used in similar contexts, but antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is archaic a more appropriate choice than antiquated?

The meanings of archaic and antiquated largely overlap; however, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When would obsolete be a good substitute for antiquated?

While in some cases nearly identical to antiquated, 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 can old be used instead of antiquated?

While the synonyms old and antiquated are close in meaning, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses

an old sweater of mine

When might venerable be a better fit than antiquated?

In some situations, the words venerable and antiquated are roughly equivalent. However, venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antiquated

The aim would be to revive a range of sectors, from tourism and mining to fixing and updating the antiquated power grid. —George Solis, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026

What was once standard, or even the height of home fashion, may now seem antiquated. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

An antiquated 105-year-old American law threatens to exacerbate the energy shocks triggered by the Iran war. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

The nightly viewership of the somewhat antiquated TV format can no longer justify the expense — at least, that’s the roundabout reason CBS gave for canceling The Late Show. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026