Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective venerable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of venerable are ancient, antiquated, antique, archaic, obsolete, and old. While all these words mean "having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past," venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

When might ancient be a better fit than venerable?

While in some cases nearly identical to venerable, ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

In what contexts can antiquated take the place of venerable?

The synonyms antiquated and venerable are sometimes interchangeable, but antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

When is antique a more appropriate choice than venerable?

The meanings of antique and venerable largely overlap; however, antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

When would archaic be a good substitute for venerable?

While the synonyms archaic and venerable are close in meaning, archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

Where would obsolete be a reasonable alternative to venerable?

In some situations, the words obsolete and venerable are roughly equivalent. However, 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 old be used to replace venerable?

The words old and venerable can be used in similar contexts, but old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

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 venerable The venerable children’s TV series, which premiered in 1969, enters its 55th season Thursday on Max. Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 The venerable organization’s hotline has already been fielding an increasing-by-the-day volume of calls from industry members in need of immediate, basic-needs assistance — medicine, blankets, toiletries. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025 The venerable entertainer is known for her guitar skills and bubbly personality. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025 Compared to the venerable stars who command precursor stages this time of year, Madison sometimes feels like a high-schooler addressing her local Rotary Club. Nate Jones, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for venerable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venerable
Adjective
  • Designed with geometric forms that evoke the pyramids in the backdrop, the museum invites visitors to journey through ancient Egypt’s 3,000-year history, starting with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 B.C. and ending with the Roman conquest in 30 B.C.
    Kate McMahon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
  • In it, a fantastical ancient Asian Empire is on the verge of destruction, torn apart by insidious rivalry.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Among the tour stops are shows at revered music venues including Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, and New York City’s Bowery Ballroom.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Tribute Series Roadster The Shelby Cobra is one of the most revered and storied automotive models in history, a diminutive titan that made an indelible mark in both motorsport and sports-car culture upon its debut.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Women and adults younger than 45 are more likely than men and older adults to say that moderate drinking is bad for health, as were Democrats and independents.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • On the day of the shooting, Nixon-Clark was 16 years and 9 months old, just shy of reaching legal status as an adult.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bickerstaff has quietly turned Detroit into a respectable defense while still sprinkling enough shooting in to keep the offense humming; the Pistons have a winning record at the moment, something that seemed unthinkable 12 months ago.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Despite a lukewarm reception, with a critics score of just 26% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Planes grossed a respectable $240.2 million putting it on course to get a sequel of its own.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The frame is crafted with sturdy steel hardware and finished with an antique bronze powder accent.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Across two floors, the gallery showcases contemporary works, including glass pieces by Philipp Weber, alongside its unique collection of antique art, furniture, decor, and photography, attracting discerning art collectors and curators from across the globe.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2018, Vox commissioned me to write a story about medieval Catholic ideas and the radical transformation of American politics that had vaulted Donald Trump to the presidency.
    Peter H. Schwartz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The 47th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games lands at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs this weekend with pipers, dancing, animals, artisan craft vendors, axe throwing, archery, a medieval camp, children’s activities, food and drinks, Highland athletics and more.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near venerable

Cite this Entry

“Venerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venerable. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on venerable

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