as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past
hoary oak trees with dripping moss and gnarled limbs shaded us from the sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hoary
Sometimes a good story or excellent execution can overcome hoary material.
—
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2025
His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Every year, the show’s producers try to think of new ways to celebrate movies, but the hoariest methods are usually best.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
One comes to Sundance looking for novelty, for strangeness, for bold reimaginings of hoary forms.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for hoary
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2025
His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Every year, the show’s producers try to think of new ways to celebrate movies, but the hoariest methods are usually best.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
One comes to Sundance looking for novelty, for strangeness, for bold reimaginings of hoary forms.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for hoary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoary
Adjective
-
But this modern approach is teamed with ancient medicinal practices and a holistic, full-circle philosophy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Passover is a major Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Not far from the venerable Madison Square Garden, the energy inside Life Time Sky basketball courts in midtown Monday was high.—
Nancy Kane,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The last airframes were retired from active service in 2010, though the venerable fighter has continued to be used for training.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Her older brother, Aiden, is a junior on South Elgin’s junior varsity baseball team.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But there's also Tanglin Village with its smaller boutiques, Dempsey Hill with its dining scene and antique shops, and the Peranakan shophouses tucked down side streets that offer glimpses of Singapore's history.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Through a gallery with a rotating selection of contemporary works lies a secret garden with antique gates opening to sophisticated tents lit by Venetian lanterns.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The La Costa Canyon High School Theatre Department invites the community to an evening of laughter, music, and medieval mischief with this year’s spring musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Named after the Frankish noble family that included Charles Martel and his grandson Charlemagne, the Carolingian era was a transformative time in medieval Europe, where power was consolidated and regional cultures began to blend.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hoary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoary. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
