antique 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
Definition of antiquenext
1
as in ancient
dating or surviving from the distant past studied shards from antique pots made by the Pueblos of the Southwest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time loved to collect antique sugar tongs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

antique

2 of 2

noun

(ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
as in artifact
something belonging to or surviving from an earlier period their house is filled with rare antiques, including a collection of 19th-century African masks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antique differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antique are ancient, antiquated, archaic, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

In what contexts can ancient take the place of antique?

The words ancient and antique 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 antiquated a more appropriate choice than antique?

The words antiquated and antique can be used in similar contexts, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When might archaic be a better fit than antique?

In some situations, the words archaic and antique 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 would obsolete be a good substitute for antique?

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

While the synonyms old and antique are close in meaning, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When is it sensible to use venerable instead of antique?

The synonyms venerable and antique are sometimes interchangeable, 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 antique
Adjective
These days, vintage wicker can go for thousands of dollars in antique stores, and the average price of a modern wicker armchair is upwards of $300. —Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 Martha Stewart Crestview Storage Console Table The space-saving Crestview Storage Console Table is made from solid wood and has an antique finish that blends well with modern and traditional home aesthetics. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
Shop antiques and vintage collectibles from over 200 dealers at this monthly market. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 This 85-acre upscale farm getaway has estate homes, cottages, and suites, each decorated with a unique blend of custom artwork and antiques. —Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for antique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antique
  1. ancient
  2. vintage
  3. artifact
  4. venerable
  5. retro
  6. relic
  7. medieval
  8. historic
Adjective
  • As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Spanning about 30 hectares (74 ac), this ancient landscape has been under the microscope since the 1980s, thanks to pioneering archaeologist Dietrich Mania.
    — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Keke Palmer stepped out last month in Midtown Manhattan in mirrored gold stilettos with a vintage Versace mini, while Sabrina Carpenter made headlines in six-inch Christian Louboutins at a pre–Met Gala cocktail.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 July 2025
  • Or, grab these classic Reebok sneakers with a vintage look, and these soft New Balance low tops that offer support all day.
    — Shalwah Evans, People.com, 6 July 2025
Definition of vintage
Noun
  • This extraction recovers forensic artifacts showing screen touches, keyboard caches revealing what was typed, application usage data, and notification interaction records.
    — Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Each of the suites feels more like a studio apartment by design and features bespoke Mexican artifacts, vintage objects, and furnishings selected by the brand’s design director, Roberto Ayala.
    — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
Definition of artifact
Adjective
  • For those who don't know, Area 51 is a large, secretive military base in the remote Nevada desert where several exotic military aircraft have been developed and tested over the years, including the venerable U-2 spy plane way back when.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • The venerable German sports car maker has just unveiled a trio of 4S models for its most iconic vehicle.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
Definition of venerable
Adjective
  • With gradient hues of pinks and purples, the set comes in retro colors to add a touch of vibrancy to your cabinets.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Not only was there visibility on some of the chicer kits like Palmeiras and Borussia Dortmund, which both boast a more retro collar style with a proficiency in color theory, there was a noted interest in DIY styling and upcycling of soccer jerseys.
    — Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Definition of retro
Noun
  • The SaaS model, once revolutionary, is now a relic.
    — Deepinder Singh Sethi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Her job was, in her estimation, a relic of a different time — the business no longer relies on broadcast network casting directors to discover talent through global searches and talent holding deals.
    — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Definition of relic
Adjective
  • Jackson hoped that the exhibition would counter the misconception that medieval women were universally downtrodden drudges.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
  • This location captures the folk charm and romance of Germany's medieval architecture, having been inspired by architectural styles from northern Germany, Bavaria, the Rhineland and Black Forest, ranging in era from the 12th to 17th centuries.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • July 13, 1980: As part of a historic heat wave, temperatures reached 108 at Little Rock while Beedeville (Jackson County) topped out at a scorching 112. July 14, 1954: Forest fires burned thousands of acres of timberland as the result of an extended heat wave combined with low humidity and no rain.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • Jota’s squad number, 20, matched the club’s historic number of titles which was secured in 2024-25, equaling the English club record of Manchester United.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of historic

Browse Nearby Words

antiquation
antique
antiques
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Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antique. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antique

Nglish: Translation of antique for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antique

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