antique 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
Definition of antiquenext
1
as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past studied shards from antique pots made by the Pueblos of the Southwest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time loved to collect antique sugar tongs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

antique

2 of 2

noun

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
as in artifact
something belonging to or surviving from an earlier period their house is filled with rare antiques, including a collection of 19th-century African masks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antique differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antique are ancient, antiquated, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

In what contexts can ancient take the place of antique?

The words ancient and antique 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 antiquated a more appropriate choice than antique?

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

antiquated teaching methods

When might archaic be a better fit than antique?

In some situations, the words archaic and antique are roughly equivalent. 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 antique?

The meanings of obsolete and antique largely overlap; however, 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 antique?

While the synonyms old and antique are close in meaning, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When is it sensible to use venerable instead of antique?

The synonyms venerable and antique 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 antique
Adjective
Remaining the same is the structure’s classical architecture, with a large antique arched door leading into a foyer whose proportions were kept intact. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2025 The space brimmed with mismatched antique sofas, vintage tennis rackets, and a wall display of men’s collared overcoats and baseball caps. —Savannah Hanoum, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The remodels, which began last year, added more comfortable seating, brighter lights, lighter paint and a simplified assortment of antiques but kept signature elements like fireplaces. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 The video showed a location with a fresh coat of white paint on the walls, modern light fixtures and antiques organized into shadow boxes. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
  1. ancient
  2. vintage
  3. artifact
  4. venerable
  5. retro
  6. relic
  7. medieval
  8. historic
Adjective
  • The norm is for ancient dugouts found in southern Florida to be linked to ancestors of the Calusa, the Seminole or the Miccosukee, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
    — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Scientists can analyze these ancient samples to infer ocean temperature, sea ice cover or levels of atmospheric gases at different moments across thousands of years.
    — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Now this is a vintage appetizer Grandpa is no doubt familiar with.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Best of all, these eclectic complements come in all shapes and sizes—from modern designs by contemporary artists and local artisans to collectible porcelains resold by vintage dealers.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of vintage
Noun
  • The backstory takes visitors inside the Collector’s unorthodox collection of extraterrestrial artifacts and creatures.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Threat hunts often risk tunnel vision — fixating on a single artifact or path.
    — Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of artifact
Adjective
  • The grand afternoon teas at this venerable property change themes throughout the year, from a cherry blossom tea welcoming spring to a festive gathering around Lunar New Year.
    — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Founded 42 years ago in Cupertino by John Berwald, the venerable Armadillo Willy’s chain grew to several Bay Area locations.
    — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of venerable
Adjective
  • The color palette hewed towards various shades of browns giving the clothes a touch of a retro feel.
    — Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • What follows is nearly 100 minutes of violent vengeance as the two men wage war for Sophia’s heart, all set to a propulsive retro score curated by Grammy winner and Detroit native Jack White.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of retro
Noun
  • Comets are among the most captivating wanderers of the solar system — icy relics from its earliest days that blaze across the sky with glowing tails and mysterious origins.
    — Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Investors and policymakers should brace for a world where 2% becomes a relic, not a reality.
    — Bob Haber, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of relic
Adjective
  • But there’s one particularly captivating stretch near Santa Margherita Ligure, between Portofino’s iconic piazzetta and Rapallo’s picturesque carrugi (the town’s warren of narrow medieval streets).
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
  • There are visual references to refugees, immigrants, medieval morality plays, New Orleans funerals.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • From host Nate Bargatze's Boys and Girls Club gamble to Tramell Tillman's historic win, here are the most notable highs and lows from the Primetime Emmy Awards.
    — Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Consumer sentiment is slipping near historic lows.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of historic

Browse Nearby Words

antiquation
antique
antiques
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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antique

Nglish: Translation of antique for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antique

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