ANTIQUATED Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

antiquated

adjective

ˈan-tə-ˌkwā-təd

Definition of antiquated next

as in archaic

having passed its time of use or usefulness saw an antiquated hand-cranked rope-making machine at the textiles museum

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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 theatrical window is not an antiquated tradition. —

Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026 Our antiquated tax code should be reformed to reduce reliance on the personal income tax and raise revenue in a more predictable way. —

Lanhee J. Chen, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026 In a world where physical video games are swiftly becoming antiquated, the move signals the company’s desire to modernize. —

Jake Angelo, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 While soft and airy shades of robin egg and sky blue can make farmhouse kitchens feel inviting and modern, designers Dan Mazzarini and Gaia Guidi Filippi both say navy blue cabinets feel nautical and antiquated. —

Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antiquated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated

Adjective

Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Yet university leaders have spoken optimistically about the future, bolstered by its new membership in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), its coaching staff and a $25 million renovation of its archaic football stadium.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Definition of archaic

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antiquarians

antiquated

antiquation

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“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of antiquated

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