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

as in archaic

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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 Costco online cake ordering updates antiquated system The online cake ordering feature was first revealed to be on the way by Costco CEO Ron Vachris in the company's quarterly earnings call in December 2025. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 Today, satellite television barely exists — even cable is antiquated. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 The revisions by Takaichi's government to the antiquated law is meant to solidify the principle of the crucial imperial bloodline but pushes aside the emperor’s daughter. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antiquated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated

Adjective

In our era of incessant texting, the concept of these radio missives struck me as both archaic and romantic.

— Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
The archaic legal restrictions restricting same-sex couples or unmarried women, for example, are acknowledged and adhered to, rather than being openly challenged or criticized.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

In the Wall Street Journal, James Lloyd Dusenbury recently argued that our political vocabulary, including communism and capitalism, is obsolete.

— Jason Thurlkill, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
While most Apple products stop receiving repairs or replacement parts after being added to the obsolete list, MacBooks may still receive battery replacements for up to 10 years after Apple stops selling them — if batteries are still available.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Adjective

It was filmed on two medieval backlots at Korda Studios and the National Film Institute, to the west and north of the city respectively, according to Barbara Reardon, a local co-producer.

— Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
By the medieval period, Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe, but long-distance travel was extremely difficult, and embarking upon a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was often regarded as a death sentence.

— Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of medieval

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“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of antiquated

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