antiquated

adjective

ˈan-tə-ˌkwā-təd How to pronounce antiquated (audio)
Definition of antiquatednext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ocean shipments from the refinery-rich Gulf States are restricted by an antiquated federal law known as the Jones Act. —Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2025 Floridians remain largely shackled to an antiquated system that prioritizes profits over the interests of everyday consumers. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 There’s antiquated equipment that’s still actively relevant for many facilities. —Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025 Copyright law is notoriously difficult as it is viewed through the antiquated lens of the British justice system. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antiquated
  1. archaic
  2. obsolete
  3. medieval
Adjective
  • Today, modern applications of seemingly archaic tech can be found in examples using field-coil transducers from Songer Audio, Voxativ, and Wolf von Langa, while advancements in electrostatic and planar-magnetic technology have eliminated former restraints in bandwidth, volume, and reliability.
    — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The archaic society was known for the prowess of its soldiers and its brawny militarism.
    — Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Net business investment – the money businesses spend to expand their capital after accounting for their investments to replace obsolete buildings and equipment – is at a relatively low level.
    — Christian Weller, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • At its core, this is a painting about fading: H.M.S. Temeraire was a majestic old warship that had played an important part in the Battle of Trafalgar three decades earlier but, eventually, became militarily obsolete and had to be scrapped for parts.
    — Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • The pups become Aqua Pups who wear scuba gear, or medieval knights who wear armor, or super pups with superpowers--all changes that create new toys for parents to buy their eager children.
    — Alana Semuels, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The Italian-American medieval epic El Cid (1961) saw Page perfectly cast as the scheming Princess Urraca.
    — Rhett Bartlett, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of medieval

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Cite this Entry

“Antiquated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antiquated. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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