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
  • To Win Or Not To Win Is Not The Only Question Once AI was a philosophical question – one that religious and spiritual thinkers from ancient cultures asked to better understand the laws of nature.
    — Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • In the early to mid–first millennium BCE, ancient horse-riding peoples known as the Siberian Scythians lived in the Altai-Sayan Mountains—a region that spans parts of modern-day Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Carrie had all this vintage YSL, all of these really great pieces.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The historic yet modernized living spaces span three levels and boast a mix of hardwood and tile floors, vaulted wood-beam ceilings, plaster walls, glass doorknobs, vintage light fixtures, and interior doors crafted from solid wood.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 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
  • Mehcad Brooks is departing NBC’s Law & Order after three seasons as Detective Jalen Shaw ahead of the venerable crime drama’s upcoming 25th season, Deadline has learned.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 July 2025
  • The other, the Union Station Gallery in the venerable train station’s Grand Hall, will operate July 13-26.
    — Dan Kelly July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Definition of venerable
Adjective
  • These retro sandals are a packable vacation pick that’s both on-trend and functional, and they’re fitted with the woven exterior and adjustable straps that this style is so well-known for.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
  • Shop for antiques at the Tri-State Antiques Market Find a new piece for your collection at Indiana's largest antiques and vintage-only market, featuring over 200 vendors with a wide variety of vintage and retro goods.
    — Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Definition of retro
Noun
  • Today, Raptor Ranch offers up-close bird flight demonstrations, falconry classes and conservation education while preserving fan-favorite Bedrock City relics.
    — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • One shine survived the era, and although its origins are unclear, the relic ultimately arrived at Germany’s Ethnological Museum of the National Museums in 1932.
    — Andrew Paul Jul 24, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
Definition of relic
Adjective
  • During early October’s harvest, when golden Chasselas grapes are at their plump and juicy peak, explore medieval villages and 10th-century stone walls on foot, like on a 6.8-mile hike from St. Saphorin to Lutry, and visit cellars aboard the Lavaux Express train.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
  • Parts of the village date back to medieval times, and the Fort de Tamié, a 19th-century fortress above Albertville, now features zip lines that crisscross hiking trails with levels suitable for all the family to enjoy.
    — Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of medieval
Adjective
  • The three-level, 20,000-square-foot Tm:rw store, opening July 29, is located in the historic Candler Building at 220 West 42nd Street.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
  • The new name is an homage to the historic 1886 hotel building’s first tenant, Henry Witherby.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 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 29 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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