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Definition of oldnext
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as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest even the most stirring speeches start to get old after you've heard them a few times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

old

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective old differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of old are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When can ancient be used instead of old?

While in some cases nearly identical to old, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

When might antiquated be a better fit than old?

In some situations, the words antiquated and old are roughly equivalent. However, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When would antique be a good substitute for old?

The meanings of antique and old largely overlap; however, 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 old?

While the synonyms archaic and old are close in meaning, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

In what contexts can obsolete take the place of old?

The words obsolete and old are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use venerable instead of old?

The words venerable and old can be used in similar contexts, but 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 old
Adjective
The case began with 44-year-old Eugene Horsch — the man behind the wheel of the black BMW — whose home in the city’s Olney neighborhood has been a focus of the investigation so far. Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 Her oldest sister, Sonia Gonzalez, said Gonzalez reminds her a lot of their father, who reinvented himself many times over the years. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
Of course, large gatherings of teens have long caused consternation and fear among the olds. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 In Willis limited playing experience the past two seasons the 26-year-old showcased himself as a dual threat starter capable of leading his team to NFL wins. Omar Kelly april 30, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old
Adjective
  • Never leave children, elderly adults or pets in a parked car or truck, even for a few minutes, even if the windows are open, public safety agencies warn.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • According to police, an elderly driver struck a vehicle, struck the pedestrians and then crashed into a building.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Learn about Sarasota’s ancient past at Phillippi Estate Park or look for the resident deer at Rothenbach Park.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The pallium, a woolen collar embroidered with six crosses, is an ancient symbol of authority and obligation.
    Tony Aiello, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Johnston, Cobbins leaving Johnston’s departure comes just three years after becoming the long-term replacement for former County Administrator Doug Bach, who left the government under an $800,000 separation agreement.
    Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The backstory Educator, journalist, and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland—best known to the world as the creator of the American Girl line of dolls—graduated from Wells College, a former school in town, in 1962.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Far fewer people stay responsible when the work turns boring, unclear or inconvenient, and that's precisely when ownership surfaces.
    Somdutta Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Monocultures can be boring, but on the flipside, a huge collection of individual species looks like a busy bowl of potpourri.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Last year, the NCMM received 113 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands—the largest single return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British looting, according to the commission.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
  • Priceless artifacts stolen from these temples would then end up in the hands of unscrupulous antiquities dealers.
    Will Croxton, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of applying an anti-aging serum and following up with your favorite night cream, this Blithe serum features a hybrid formula that combines both steps into one.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • Plus, keep scrolling for even more anti-aging skin care at Amazon.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up to celebrate the venerable Czech fest’s past and, at the same time, guide it into its future.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
  • Cosmetics, as venerable as mirrors, boomed to an unprecedented degree.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The erstwhile New York resident was loudly and vigorously booed by the hometown crowd as he was shown on the jumbotron of the legendary arena.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2026
  • Despite his meltdown in Colorado’s extra-inning loss to Milwaukee Friday night, the erstwhile starter has been one of baseball’s best relievers this season.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Old.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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