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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Old” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

Having been alive or existing for a long time.

IPA: /oʊld/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: adj

Meaning of Old

Having lived or existed for many years.

How to Pronounce Old

IPA: /oʊld/ Stress: O

One syllable: OHld.

Full pronunciation guide for old →

4 Synonyms for Old — Words Similar to Old

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

ancient

/ˈeɪnʃənt/
adj B1

From a very long time ago in history, much older than modern times.

Example: The museum displays ancient artifacts from thousands of years ago.

elderly

/ˈɛl.dɚ.li/
adj B1

Elderly means old or advanced in age. It's a respectful word for describing older people. You use 'elderly' when talking about people in their senior years, often 65 or older.

Example: The elderly man sat on the park bench every morning.

Smart Synonyms for Old — When to Use Each

aged

particularly for people or wine

ancient

very old, from long ago

Antonyms of Old — Opposite Words

How to Use Old and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • My grandfather is very old. A1
  • This building is 200 years old. A1
  • Old traditions are important to many cultures. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Old

What is another word for "old"?

Common synonyms for "old" include: aged, ancient, elderly, mature.

What can I say instead of "old"?

Try one of these alternatives: aged, ancient, elderly, mature. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "old" formal or informal?

"old" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "old" instead of "aged"?

Use "old" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "aged" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "old"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "old" include: young, new.

Explore “Old” in Other Tools