Synonyms for

Ancient

Verb / ˈeɪntʃʌnt / / ˈeɪnʃʌnt / Another word for ancient — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence

Synonyms & similar words

antediluvian old antique historic archaic prehistoric remote primitive primeval long-ago bygone traditional timeless vintage ancient aged elderly hoary senior historical outdated

Synonyms by register

Formal

archaic antediluvian primeval bygone

Informal

old super old way back

Literary

hoary venerable time-worn

Antonyms

modern new recent current contemporary present-day

Common collocations

  • ancient history
  • ancient civilization
  • ancient ruins
  • ancient times
  • ancient artifact
  • ancient Greece
  • ancient Rome

Word family

noun antiquity
adverb anciently

Usage note

Often used to describe things from a very distant past, particularly before the Middle Ages. Can sometimes imply a lack of modernity or relevance.

Example sentences

  1. The ancient ruins of the city were fascinating to explore.
  2. The dinosaur is an ancient creature that lived millions of years ago.
  3. My grandma has an ancient sewing machine that still works.
  4. The ancient art of calligraphy is still practiced today.
  5. The ancient Greeks were known for their philosophy and science.

Quotes

  • The past is always tense, the future perfect. - Zadie Smith
  • Study the past if you would define the future. - Confucius
  • The ancient Egyptians were the first to sing hymns to their gods. - Horatio Alger

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words