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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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 Furthermore, its green monochrome display will likely feel antiquated once full-color waveguide tech matures. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 Arnold Roma became one of the most persistent voices behind an effort to resurrect Fire Patrol, arguing that New York had lost more than an antiquated insurance service. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 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 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

Whether machines can make conventional money obsolete remains an open question.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Advertisement That prescription has rankled many cybersecurity experts who scoff at the possibility that their expertise will be rendered obsolete.

— Harry Booth, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Adjective

The territories at various times have been part of the Russian and Ottoman empires, medieval Kievan Rus’ and earlier civilizations.

— Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
The time period is vaguely medieval and the accents British, save for Skarsgård, who speaks in a flat, neutral exhale, the sound of breeze riffling through straw.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of medieval

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“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of antiquated

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