1
as in adult
a person of advanced years
in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in ancestor
one who is older than another
it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dean
the senior member of a group
as the elder of the contingent of living former presidents, he was accorded a place of highest honor at the ceremonies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elder
In Liberia, as well as among members of the Yoruba people in Nigeria, young people bend their knees slightly or—if the older person is seated—drop to one or both knees to honor their elders.
—
Chris Ciolli, AFAR Media, 15 July 2025
In some cultures, when elders die, their knowledge is sometimes lost with them.
—Thomas Cottereau, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Kevin Kennedy, a seven-year resident of the retirement community, was a kid in Oklahoma when Woodstock shook the nation’s elders.
—Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
But Lawson in a statement to The Tennessean said his public admission of wrongdoing and his commitment behind the scenes to receive counseling from Stephens Valley elders is a genuine endeavor.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder
Chris Ciolli, AFAR Media, 15 July 2025
In some cultures, when elders die, their knowledge is sometimes lost with them.
—Thomas Cottereau, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Kevin Kennedy, a seven-year resident of the retirement community, was a kid in Oklahoma when Woodstock shook the nation’s elders.
—Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
But Lawson in a statement to The Tennessean said his public admission of wrongdoing and his commitment behind the scenes to receive counseling from Stephens Valley elders is a genuine endeavor.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
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Despite the unprecedented drop in deaths in both the state and country over the past couple of years, overdose remains the leading cause of death for American adults under 45.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
4 Aug. 2025
-
All of those who died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours were adults, the ministry said.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Tsui has three major tips for young staffers to stay in line with company dress codes and avoid getting sacked for their outfit: Take inspiration from your superiors: Take a look around the office or check how older coworkers are showing up in Zoom calls.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
24 July 2025
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And when Deschanel was once 30 minutes late to work because of an accident on her commute, series creator Hart Hanson was forced to deliver a harsh message from his superiors.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
That was how your ancestors lived for almost all of human history.—
John C. Goodman,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Our ancestors hunted and gathered for meat and berries and embarked on treacherous overseas journeys for the promise of fertile land.—
Maggie Anders,
Oc Register,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
He’s been a ubiquitous character actor ever since, from the scene-stealing game show host in Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream (2000) to the college dean in The House Bunny (2008).—
Skyler Trepel,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
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Nance is also exploring volunteer opportunities with Legal Aid of Arkansas after her appointment as dean ends.—
Ryan Anderson,
Arkansas Online,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Who among us oldsters doesn’t enjoy a good VFX-costume parlay?—
Steven Zeitchik,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
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Folks back in the day had Yoda as their feisty oldster and the kids now have Maz. 36.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
24 May 2023
Noun
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In June, a Mexican man was arrested while his boss, a U.S. citizen, was driving him and his brother to a construction site.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
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This season could be important for Gutekunst’s long-term future in the job, and what better way to make a statement to your new boss than acquiring a player who could help the Packers return to the game’s biggest stage?—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But the veterans are still having their say in Europe — and beyond.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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Multiple teams have expressed interest in the Royals’ top veterans.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Doctors at the Center for Geriatric Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic have found social prescribing especially valuable for seniors, says Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi, chief of geriatrics.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
14 July 2025
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Various private clinics in the fields of surgery, dentistry, cardiology, and geriatrics are available, as well as senior-friendly services.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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