obsolete

adjective

ˌäb-sə-ˈlēt How to pronounce obsolete (audio)
Definition of obsoletenext
as in archaic
having passed its time of use or usefulness I was told my old printer is obsolete and I can't get replacement parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obsolete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of obsolete are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, old, and venerable. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," 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 could ancient be used to replace obsolete?

The synonyms ancient and obsolete are sometimes interchangeable, but ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

Where would antiquated be a reasonable alternative to obsolete?

While in some cases nearly identical to obsolete, antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

In what contexts can antique take the place of obsolete?

The words antique and obsolete 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 obsolete?

In some situations, the words archaic and obsolete 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 might old be a better fit than obsolete?

Although the words old and obsolete have much in common, old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

When would venerable be a good substitute for obsolete?

The meanings of venerable and obsolete largely overlap; 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 obsolete The original lighting fixtures are no longer made and the software that runs the light displays is obsolete, commissioners have been told. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025 The Fed says its main headquarters, known as the Marriner S. Eccles building, was in dire need of an upgrade because its electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, among others, are nearly obsolete and some date back to the building’s construction in the 1930s. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 July 2025 And while Higgins says the growing supply will eventually make the line at the distillery and the culture around it obsolete, for the moment, the die-hard fandom is evident every day on the distillery grounds. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 15 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 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
  1. archaic
  2. antiquated
  3. medieval
Adjective
  • But not the kind of mentorship that lies in the old, hierarchical, and archaic approach.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • There’s a separate debate as to the archaic nature of email itself and the need for something new.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • In a later post, Trump threatened to scuttle the Commanders' plans for a new stadium, which would move the team from its current location in Maryland back to the nation's capital after renovating an antiquated stadium on federal property.
    — Rob Stein, NPR, 20 July 2025
  • Updated our antiquated Town Charter to modernize governance, align with state statutes, and ensure transparency.
    — Danielle Wong, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Definition of antiquated
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

Browse Nearby Words

obsolescent
obsolete
obsoleteness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsolete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obsolete. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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