archaic

adjective

är-ˈkā-ik How to pronounce archaic (audio)
Definition of archaicnext
as in antiquated
having passed its time of use or usefulness the company needs to update its archaic computer system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective archaic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of archaic are ancient, antiquated, antique, obsolete, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

When could ancient be used to replace archaic?

The meanings of ancient and archaic largely overlap; however, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

In what contexts can antiquated take the place of archaic?

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

antiquated teaching methods

When is it sensible to use antique instead of archaic?

Although the words antique and archaic have much in common, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When is obsolete a more appropriate choice than archaic?

While in some cases nearly identical to archaic, 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 archaic?

The words old and archaic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

Where would venerable be a reasonable alternative to archaic?

The synonyms venerable and archaic 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 archaic In doing so, he’s been testing his presidential powers by using archaic and seldom-enforced immigration laws to pursue his promise of mass deportations. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 Third-wave feminism and its attendant media turned dieting (or at least talking about it) into something archaic and deeply uncool. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025 This type of technology has significant potential to disrupt and transform archaic IT infrastructure practices at healthcare organizations globally. —Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 How archaic tech, staff shortages and construction made a meltdown at Newark Airport The FAA has responded by trying to get more air traffic control students into the pipeline. —Joel Rose, NPR, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for archaic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archaic
  1. antiquated
  2. obsolete
  3. medieval
  4. prehistoric
Adjective
  • The Fed said the renovation will remove asbestos and lead contamination as well as replace antiquated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire-safety systems.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 July 2025
  • In Missouri, an antiquated computer system and an insufficient number of employees available to handle benefit paperwork have been highlighted in recent years.
    — Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the technology that the Pentagon developed on its own often became obsolete before a weapon was even deployed.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Just pay attention to apple list of vintage and obsolete devices, which includes the iPhones that can’t be updated at all.
    — Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of obsolete
Adjective
  • Jackson hoped that the exhibition would counter the misconception that medieval women were universally downtrodden drudges.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
  • From the first coin discovered in an ancient hoard to the first stone of a medieval wall, many major archaeological discoveries stem from one initial find.
    — Irene Wright July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • The Taung Child’s remains were found alongside other smaller prey remains and eggshells in what may be a prehistoric raptor’s nest.
    — Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • The Neumark-Nord site in central Germany is turning out to be a prehistoric goldmine, and not just for bones.
    — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Definition of prehistoric

Browse Nearby Words

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archaic
archaism
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Cite this Entry

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

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