Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective archaic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of archaic are ancient, antiquated, antique, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When could ancient be used to replace archaic?

The meanings of ancient and archaic largely overlap; however, 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 archaic?

The words antiquated and archaic can be used in similar contexts, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When is it sensible to use antique instead of archaic?

Although the words antique and archaic have much in common, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than archaic?

While in some cases nearly identical to archaic, 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 archaic?

The words old and archaic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

Where would venerable be a reasonable alternative to archaic?

The synonyms venerable and archaic are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 archaic In contrast, physicians face static rates constrained by budget-neutrality provisions — archaic rules embedded in a convoluted policy landscape. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Scotland abolished its archaic system of feudal land ownership in 2000. Robert Ormerod, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The New York Yankees have abandoned their half-century prohibition of beards, a policy that was archaic even from its infancy. Steve Rushin, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 In recent years, there have been no shortage of articles and video essays praising the game’s timelessness, remaining smooth and fluid despite relatively archaic hardware. Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for archaic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaic
Adjective
  • In 2018, Russia blamed Israel for an incident in which an antiquated Syrian S-200 anti-aircraft missile destroyed a Russian military transport while targeting Israeli fighter jets, killing all 15 Russian personnel aboard.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Too many fouls, not enough freedom for creativity and an antiquated two halves format have kept him from diving in.
    C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 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
  • Since 2019, leaders in the small Italian town of Avezzano in the Abruzzo region have been calling on the Louvre museum in Paris to return a medieval stone bas-relief that was once part of their local church, San Nicola, which was destroyed in a 1915 earthquake, reports Le Journal des Arts.
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Archaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on archaic

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