Synonyms for

Older

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

Definition

Comparative of the adjective old; having lived for a longer time; not young.

Synonyms & similar words

onetime previous former elderly young senior sometime elder honesttogod erstwhile honesttogoodness sureenough aged old quondam new sr elder wiser

Synonyms by register

Formal

elder senior preceding

Informal

more mature grown-up

Literary

venerable ancient

Antonyms

younger junior recent new fresh immature

Common collocations

  • older brother
  • older sister
  • older generation
  • older people
  • older than
  • much older
  • significantly older
  • years older

Word family

noun old age
adjective old
adverb oldly

Usage note

When comparing two people or things, 'older' is generally preferred over 'elder'. 'Elder' is often used in more formal contexts or when referring to a group of older people collectively.

Example sentences

  1. My grandfather is older than my father.
  2. I am older than my younger sister.
  3. My dog is getting older and slower.
  4. The antique vase is older than I am.
  5. The teacher is older than the students.

Quotes

  • The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom. - H.L. Mencken
  • The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be grateful for what you have. - Oprah Winfrey
  • I'm not getting older, I'm just becoming a classic. - Unknown

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