elder

Definition of eldernext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 suspect’s father, Thomas Allen, is listed as an elder at Grace United Reformed Church Torrance. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 For his part, Marshall, who has served as an elder and a deacon in his own church, previously championed removing a federal prohibition on churches and other religious organizations directly engaging in political campaigns. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026 Within the same month the lawsuit was filed, Robinson filed a $500 million countersuit accusing the former housekeepers of defamation, false light, financial elder abuse, conversion, and invasion of privacy. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The register is full of secrets, and allows Lucy to uncover the stories of her elders, including her mother. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder
Noun
  • As a senior, the new-and-improved Maloney earned first-team All-Dade honors, leading the 2015 Explorers to a 13-2 record and the Class 8A state semifinals.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the townhomes would have first-floor master suites aimed at seniors, according to plans submitted to the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Though young missing-persons detective Dalia (May Calamawy) is earnest in her attempts to help, her superiors cast suspicion on Katie’s parents; eight years later, the girl is still missing, while the family has relocated to New Mexico.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Based on their own investigation, Brown’s team submitted an affidavit to their superiors at DOJ that did not make a strong enough case to move forward with what Olsen wanted.
    Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless of whether plans are rejigged, there will be plenty of pomp and circumstance for Charles, 77, as befitting a state visit of a British king to a country that his ancestors once ruled.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By shedding heavy shells like those seen in early nautiloids and ammonites, the ancestors of modern octopuses traded passive defense for active offense.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mike McDonald, who graduated from Bellarmine in 1957, was the dean of the group, with 1960 Notre Dame graduates Marilou Cristina and Colleen Block providing more than equal representation for the women’s side.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The performance also comes as Shelly Berg, the dean of the Frost School of Music, prepares to retire in May.
    Megan Fitzgerald, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Most oldsters like myself still will probably find revisiting the piece enjoyable.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Those devoted to the Charli cause will no doubt get more out of the film than an out-of-touch oldster like myself ever could.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Menin has supported Wilson, Bottcher’s former chief of staff, who had his ex-boss’s blessing in the race.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • On behalf of everyone at Disney, on behalf of [new CEO] Josh [D’Amaro] and [Disney Entertainment, Studios, chairman] Alan Bergman and [FX boss] John Landgraf and Debra OConnell, our new head of Disney Entertainment Television.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The front office also faced growing concerns about whether Reese’s presence would deter the signing of returning veterans and key free agents the Sky had targeted.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Two Patriots veteran free-agent additions, outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, addressed the media on Thursday as the offseason workout program wrapped up for the week.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Most American medical schools ensure that every student rotates through pediatrics; far fewer require a dedicated geriatrics rotation.
    Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In Episode 12, Robby suggested Mohan's skill set and work rate were both better suited for geriatrics.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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