obsolete

adjective

ˌäb-sə-ˈlēt How to pronounce obsolete (audio)
Definition of obsoletenext
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness I was told my old printer is obsolete and I can't get replacement parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obsolete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of obsolete are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," 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 could ancient be used to replace obsolete?

The synonyms ancient and obsolete are sometimes interchangeable, but ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

Where would antiquated be a reasonable alternative to obsolete?

While in some cases nearly identical to obsolete, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

In what contexts can antique take the place of obsolete?

The words antique and obsolete 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 obsolete?

In some situations, the words archaic and obsolete 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 might old be a better fit than obsolete?

Although the words old and obsolete have much in common, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When would venerable be a good substitute for obsolete?

The meanings of venerable and obsolete largely overlap; 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 obsolete From a more global point of view, any rule established today may also be obsolete tomorrow. —Norine Raja, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026 That’s partly because our reliance on gas taxes has been rendered obsolete by EV adoption and improved fuel economy. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 If new technology doesn’t come to Northwest Indiana, Vallee believes Gary Works’ infrastructure will become obsolete. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 From the recent and overlooked, to the ancient and obsolete. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
  1. archaic
  2. antiquated
  3. medieval
Adjective
  • The Harbin individual yielded a similar number, and a few earlier studies had obtained data from individuals elsewhere, including a Denisovan from near Taiwan and an archaic human from Spain.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
  • The girls, playing an archaic six-player game with three on each side of midcourt, defeated West Crisp of Cordele 40-27 a week earlier.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • New York’s antiquated assessment system values properties far below their market value and leaves a small number of apartments valued at $5 million or more.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 11 May 2026
  • Though Jordan and Tammy had raised their biological twins since they were born — and had the full support of their surrogate — they were required by antiquated state law to adopt their own babies.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • While the use of mercury might evoke images of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, this highly toxic element was also employed in late- and post-medieval Europe as a treatment for venereal syphilis and leprosy.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
  • The murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 was one of the most shocking events in medieval England; Becket, once a close friend and ally of Henry II, became Archbishop of Canterbury and defended the independence of the church against the king’s authority.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Definition of medieval

Browse Nearby Words

obsolescent
obsolete
obsoleteness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obsolete

Nglish: Translation of obsolete for Spanish Speakers

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