OBSOLETE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obsolete

adjective

ˌäb-sə-ˈlēt

Definition of obsolete

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having passed its time of use or usefulness I was told my old printer is obsolete and I can't get replacement parts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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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 However, infinite scroll becomes obsolete with a two-hour time limit meant to stop teens from scrolling for too long, says the Meta spokesperson. — Gili Malinsky tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Offensive coaches have made Pete Carroll’s Seahawks system obsolete, but Ryans and Burke have updated it. — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Some are converted into apartments or hotels, while others are torn down when the real estate beneath them is more valuable than obsolete offices. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Golden Gate’s residents have grappled with issues around the complex’s living conditions for years, including mold, rodents and obsolete electrical systems, leading them to file suit in 2020. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsolete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete

Adjective

Japan’s royal succession depends on a archaic and highly contested law, despite a wealth of women who would be eligible to rule under different circumstances.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
And the rest is public perception, which has shifted against what many Americans see as a dirty, archaic form of power generation.

— Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

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

Definition of antiquated

Adjective

Brede Hovland of Norway’s Einar Film, who stepped in for producer Guri Neby on the panel, said the Norwegian shoot wrapped at the end of May after six-to-seven weeks in Oslo, with production now in Prague for the medieval and fantasy material.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Start your day with a lakeside walk, then visit Meersburg Castle, the town’s medieval fortress, before heading to the New Castle (Neues Schloss), a Baroque palace perched above the lake, for panoramic views.

— Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of medieval

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“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obsolete

adjective

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