Synonyms for

Archaic

Verb / ɑ:ˈrkeɪɪk / Another word for archaic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Archaic means belonging to an earlier period of time. Something archaic is old-fashioned or outdated.

Synonyms & similar words

antiquated primitive antediluvian ancient obsolete outdated antiquated old-fashioned vintage prehistoric primitive past old dated olden antediluvian bygone medieval outmoded retro old-time quaint superannuated

Synonyms by register

Formal

obsolete antiquated outmoded anachronistic

Informal

old-fashioned dated outdated behind the times

Literary

ancient venerable hoary

Antonyms

modern contemporary current new recent present-day up-to-date

Common collocations

  • archaic language
  • archaic laws
  • archaic practices
  • archaic customs
  • archaic beliefs
  • archaic system
  • archaic form

Word family

noun archaism
adjective archaic
adverb archaically

Usage note

Often used to describe things that are no longer in use or are from a much earlier period. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being out of touch.

Example sentences

  1. The archaic car from the 1920s is in the museum now.
  2. My grandpa's archaic way of doing things is sometimes frustrating.
  3. The archaic language of Shakespeare is difficult to understand.
  4. The archaic computer system crashed and we lost all our data.
  5. The archaic laws of the past need to be updated for modern times.

Quotes

  • The past is never dead. It's not even past. - William Faulkner
  • The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. - Friedrich Hegel
  • Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. - George Santayana

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