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having passed its time of use or usefulness I was told my old printer is obsolete and I can't get replacement parts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 tendency of such devices to become obsolete disproportionately harms disabled people, Williams added. —Russell Leung, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 The shine has dimmed—but the degree isn’t obsolete. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025 Whaling’s vital role in ending slavery As an industry, whaling provided a meritocratic career path before fossil fuel mechanization made slavery obsolete. —Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 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
  • As a result, coaches have gone back to including at least one center in their lineups, but many teams have experienced a great deal of success with the double big lineups that were once thought to be antiquated.
    — Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • There are a couple reasons why some states and death row inmates are turning to a method that might be seen as antiquated.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 2025.

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