[go: up one dir, main page]

Definition of venerablenext

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 For the first time ever, New York’s venerable New Year’s Eve ball drop, a Times Square spectacle every year since 1907, will happen twice in a single year. Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025 Narrated by the venerable David Attenborough in the BBC version and the incomparable Sigourney Weaver in the Discovery Channel edition, Planet Earth treats audiences with its high-tech, cutting-edge visuals that encompass both the grandeur and subtleties of Mother Earth. Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025 The fallout from the changes at the once venerable institution has also affected the schedule for next year. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025 The venerable composer’s consternation at becoming aware of the many changes planned for his beloved work provides one of the most amusing scenes. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for venerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venerable
Adjective
  • Gerlach has been charged with 26 counts of burglary and criminal trespassing, in addition to abuse of a corpse and desecration and theft or sale of venerated objects.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Gwynne died in Manhattan in 1948, probably never knowing his cocktail would go on to become a venerated classic.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • On a cold winter afternoon, António and Jota return from the front with their friends, looking for an ancient Roman thermal bath.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Over time, Thompson and her colleagues have unearthed more burials, ancient human DNA and tiny human bone fragments.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So Jordan’s overhaul challenged both a distinct corporate culture and a revered business model.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • So revered is the island for its diving that Scuba Diving Magazine has named it the best shore diving destination in the Caribbean for 33 consecutive years.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Come late January or early February, Denver could be down its defensive coordinator, a whiz-kid offensive mind, and a slightly older whiz-kid defensive mind.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But after a transfer of ownership and a revamp of the voting body, the Golden Globes TV awards have gotten positively respectable.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Rookie Andres Borregales made 27 of 32 attempts, a respectable mark.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The historic downtown is full of antique mining relics and quirky businesses.
    Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Instead, they will be curated over time with vintage and antique moments that tell a story.
    Sophie Aliece Hollis, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The quaint city suffered very little damage during World War II, meaning its distinctly medieval structures have managed to remain intact over the years.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Take the quiz here … LEGENDARY LISTING – Jaw-dropping medieval castle with 100 rooms hits market with nearly 1,000 years of history.
    , FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Venerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venerable. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on venerable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!