elder

noun

Definition of eldernext
1
as in senior
a person of advanced years in that Asian society elders are accorded great respect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in superior
one who is above another in rank, station, or office as your elder in the company, he is within his rights to tell you what to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ancestor
one who is older than another it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect for your elders

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dean
the senior member of a group as the elder of the contingent of living former presidents, he was accorded a place of highest honor at the ceremonies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 elder The cultural boundaries that bind many Black communities, such as the respect for elders and aunties alike, were honored and respected in informal communication – and sometimes in coverage. — Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 The church elder had worshiped in the building for more than 30 years. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 Grandparents transfer cultural values and practical wisdom to other family members, while younger family members are obliged to take care of their elders as time goes by. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 As someone who enjoys history, it's been great listening to the history of the country and the city unfold alongside our neighborhood elders' lives. — Kynala Phillips, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
  1. oldster
  2. superior
  3. ancestor
  4. dean
  5. geriatric
  6. boss
  7. veteran
  8. ancient
Noun
  • Enough with the oldsters, what about those kids?
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • With each passing day, its oldster cast — including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis — is closer to the grave.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of oldster
Noun
  • If both parties are PLA members, superiors must step in to mediate the relationship breakdown, and the couple can only get a civil divorce with the military’s approval, which can result in a longer process.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Leo claimed that he was not allowed to call his own witnesses as part of an investigation, which ITN insiders dispute, even though all those interviewed were his superiors.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of superior
Noun
  • Essay Get the Lead Out Alex Manley Our ancestors were born to die by predators.
    — Naomi Skwarna, hazlitt.net, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For the last decade, genealogical consultant Grant Din has helped Asian Americans find information about their ancestors, many of whom passed through San Francisco’s Angel Island Immigration Station in the 1900s.
    — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancestor
Noun
  • Iger is married to broadcast journalist Willow Bay, a former model who is dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Alexia Rolle, the dean of career and technical education at Miami Dade College, has seen how apprenticeships can change lives.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of dean
Noun
  • The hospital complex in San Francisco was ranked top nationally in several specialties as well, including geriatrics, pulmonology — the treatment of respiratory conditions — and lung surgery.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The report rated hospital performance in 14 specialties or specialty areas, ranging from cancer to geriatrics to urology.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of geriatric
Noun
  • But will the new Fed boss keep investors guessing on the central bank’s rate path and his views on the Treasury’s intervention in the bond market?
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Rebels are likely to be favored when Golding hosts his former boss in Week 3.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of boss
Noun
  • Of the bunch, Kaminsky is the only Broadway veteran, with Álvarez, Knight and Cochran — as well as understudies Caron Buinis, Caroline Hendricks and Michael Holding — all making their Broadway debuts with Paranormal Activity.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Nuggets need to get younger, longer and meaner around that veteran trio, and ASAP.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of veteran
Noun
  • The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
  • Sitting alone among these ancients can be a profound experience.
    — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of ancient

Phrases Containing elder

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el cheapo
elder
elderliness
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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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