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When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than archaic?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 The process is archaic and slow, breaking up what otherwise should be a seamless experience. Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025 That led various departments to buy archaic typewriters, 28 kinds of typewriter ribbons, and 132 kinds of pencils. Bruce W. Dearstyne / Made By History, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025 In the immediate aftermath of the event, it was reported (including here and here and here), and then spread widely on social media, that this was because Southwest was still using an archaic version of Microsoft Windows that had never received the problematic CrowdStrike update. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 Denisovans, an extinct group of archaic humans closely related to Neanderthals, are known from only a few fossil remains, primarily from this cave. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for archaic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaic
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the wooden bleachers inside the antiquated stadium were covered by 84,059 seat cushions with an Apple logo, a marketing decision that Steve Jobs personally approved when approached by an NFL executive.
    Mark Purdy, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • One of the most perplexing and seemingly antiquated features of City Hall got a lot of use Tuesday: a bulletin board where motions are posted for public viewing.
    Tony Barboza, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, with the opening of the Alaska Railroad in 1923, followed by the replacement of horse traffic with automobiles, travelers were able to go faster and farther, rendering many of the roadhouses obsolete.
    Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Companies that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete.
    Subha Barry, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The 47th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games lands at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs this weekend with pipers, dancing, animals, artisan craft vendors, axe throwing, archery, a medieval camp, children’s activities, food and drinks, Highland athletics and more.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In 2018, Vox commissioned me to write a story about medieval Catholic ideas and the radical transformation of American politics that had vaulted Donald Trump to the presidency.
    Peter H. Schwartz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Does the music industry instantly revert to the prehistoric epoch of 2017—will Snapchat become the hottest major label scouting ground?
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The objects were removed from the site before the start of construction during two years of careful digging and include prehistoric tools and other artifacts made by human hands, as well as exceedingly rare and well-preserved animal and plant remnants.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near archaic

Cite this Entry

“Archaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archaic. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on archaic

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