old-fashioned

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈfa-shənd How to pronounce old-fashioned (audio)
Definition of old-fashionednext
1
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time an elegant, old-fashioned bun that was held in place with pearl hairpins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions I'm so old-fashioned that I actually think people should use standard grammar and punctuation when composing e-mails

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-fashioned According to the Washingtonian, an old-fashioned telephone guest book was provided at the reception for guests to share advice for the couple. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Advocates argued that decades of studies had identified the most effective ways to teach reading, which included teaching kids to sound out words using old-fashioned phonics, while emphasizing vocabulary and comprehension. — Lisa Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 Ultimately, the team identified the Heaven Sword the old-fashioned way — by scaling the massive tree and dropping a tape measure from the top, according to a study published Friday in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 5 June 2026 The 1,800-square-foot Encinitas location, modeled after the company’s flagship in Costa Mesa, is designed to resemble a 1950s-style diner, complete with chrome accents and an old-fashioned pie case. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-fashioned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-fashioned
  1. vintage
  2. traditional
  3. antique
  4. conservative
  5. retro
  6. orthodox
  7. antiquated
  8. historical
Adjective
  • Jewelry, including earrings, rings, and a watch, was by Bulgari, with Trussardi sunglasses and a vintage Chanel handbag sourced from celebrity fave sourcer and vintage dealer Fashionphile.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • The lobby’s retro Sweet N’ Glow Salon’s color scheme is as pink as a packet of Sweet N’ Low sugar substitute, complete with beehive hair dryers, vintage magazines, and a kitschy wig collection.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • But the shift underscores a dramatic loss of clout by Comcast and other traditional media enterprises.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • While the crowds spent their money on an overheated summer in the Mediterranean, a quieter group is waiting patiently for September, October and November, the traditional shoulder season.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The event attracts over 60,000 spectators and showcases floats, marching bands, equestrians, dance groups, antique cars and community organizations.
    — Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • Quince Lightweight Coverlets For a vintage vibe, pick up this coverlet that has a channel stitch reminiscent of antique quilts.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • The conservative assault on child health starts with the anti-vaccine campaign and proceeds to cutbacks in nutrition assistance and narrowed access to healthcare.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Each capsule biography offers a short video created in partnership with the conservative media organization PragerU.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • From bold color contrast to sheer layering and retro prints, caftans can be styled far beyond a basic beach coverup.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The Eastport patio umbrella is Serena & Lily’s interpretation of a retro silhouette adapted to fit a coastal aesthetic.
    — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • Rodriguez almost played as an auxiliary right-back instead of an orthodox right-winger, dropping deep and dictating play.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • In an age of intelligent machines, who gets to decide what is orthodox remains one of the most important questions a free society can ask.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • By wrapping antiquated infrastructure in agentic interfaces, these workers can unlock near-native operational efficiency without a risky, catastrophic core system overhaul.
    — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But what, exactly, is that robot doing watching fireworks next to a little boy and a man in antiquated garb?
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • The calendar includes America's Block Party events, festivals, historical programs, exhibits and community gatherings scheduled across the country.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This was a historical diagnosis for deaths attributed to old age in the early 1900s.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of historical

Browse Nearby Words

oldfangled
old-fashioned
old-fashionedness
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on old-fashioned

Nglish: Translation of old-fashioned for Spanish Speakers

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