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having passed its time of use or usefulness I was told my old printer is obsolete and I can't get replacement parts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 Generally, Garland said the program helps public service programs, public infrastructure and facilities, economic development and the city’s housing rehabilitation program where homeowners can seek funds for things like replacing an obsolete air conditioner to sewer work. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 Yet, the advent of commercial aviation in the 1950s rendered these icons of the seas obsolete almost overnight. —David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 As Maryland transitions to clean energy, customers are left paying for obsolete gas pipelines. —Susan Stevens Miller, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025 Who makes a bad car and has an obsolete social media platform? —Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsolete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsolete
  1. archaic
  2. antiquated
  3. medieval
Adjective
  • Executing on it will be more complicated because the entire system is based on archaic policies and principles.
    — Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The chain gang will still be on the field as a backup option, but the archaic measuring system will no longer be the primary way to determine a first down or not on close plays.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • In 2018, Russia blamed Israel for an incident in which an antiquated Syrian S-200 anti-aircraft missile destroyed a Russian military transport while targeting Israeli fighter jets, killing all 15 Russian personnel aboard.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Too many fouls, not enough freedom for creativity and an antiquated two halves format have kept him from diving in.
    — C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • Also, the pass includes several mountain excursions and free admission to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland. Not to be missed is the medieval town of Gruyères about 80 miles from Geneva.
    — Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The stakes of the story become ever more human-on-human, with zombies largely relegated to one epic battle that sits at the cinematic junction of western, medieval and samurai.
    — Mike Hale, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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