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

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 antiquated The failure of boardroom leadership to evolve beyond this status-quo and antiquated mindset which was imposed in 2002 after the financial reporting crisis that spawned the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, fails investors on these issues and handicaps America’s path to the digital future. Bob Zukis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Cuba remained largely without power on Saturday morning, after the island nation's grid collapsed the night before, knocking out electricity for 10 million people and raising fresh questions about the viability of its antiquated generating system. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025 Looking at the math of our antiquated plurality voting system, the Democrats’ actions may seem rational. Rob Richie, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025 Congress recognized that this disparity in bargaining power, which was the result of an antiquated legal decision that most everyone agreed was generally incorrect, contributed to the 1994 strike that caused so much public consternation. Chris Deubert, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated
Adjective
  • The use of this archaic law to once again try to justify mass detentions, xenophobia, and human rights abuses is deplorable and shocking.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • And email remains — unfortunately — at the center of this archaic web.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This means old proxies for productivity, such as time at the desk or visible busyness, are quickly becoming obsolete.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Adaptive reuse involves converting obsolete office buildings into alternative uses such as residential, mixed-use, hotels, or innovation hubs.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The History of Traditional Sitting Rooms The concept of a formal sitting room dates all the way back to medieval monasteries, where monks used these spaces to conduct business with visitors and laypeople.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Over 800 years later, Bern remains (as does its bears) and its old town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with charming arcades, Renaissance fountains, and an early 13th-century clock tower with a medieval puppet show happening every hour on the hour.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!