Search Dictionary
Definition of anachronism

anachronism

/əˈnæk.rə.nɪ.zəm/
a · nach · ro · nism
Adverb:anachronistically
•
Plural:anachronisms
•
Adjective:anachronistic
JUMP TO:

anachronism Lexical Profile

anachronism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person, custom, or thing that seems conspicuously old-fashioned and out of place in the modern world.

Example

"In an era of instant digital messaging, sending a handwritten letter by post feels like a charming anachronism."

2

A chronological inconsistency or error in which a person, object, or event is placed in a historical period to which it does not belong, especially in a work of art or literature.

Example

"The appearance of a digital wristwatch on the Roman gladiator was a glaring anachronism in the historical film."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anachronism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for anachronism

• Rhymes for anachronism

• Nearby Words

amusing
amusingly
amusingness
anachronism
anaconda
anacyclus
anadyr

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French anachronisme or Modern Latin anachronismus, from Ancient Greek anachronismos, combining ana- ('against' or 'backward') and chronos ('time').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Anachronism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/anachronism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.