A strong modern synonym depends on what feels new: contemporary and current place something in the present, up to date and advanced praise its technology, and sleek describes its look. Modern can also describe attitudes, where progressive or forward-thinking may fit.
Historians add a twist, since modern history can start centuries ago. The groups, swaps and warnings below help you avoid that confusion. Related ideas are covered on the new synonyms and innovative synonyms pages.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
contemporary, current, up to date, advancedPart of speech
AdjectiveMost formal
contemporary, present-dayMost casual
trendy, fresh, new schoolStrongest
cutting-edge, state-of-the-art, futuristicAntonyms
old-fashioned, outdated, traditionalWatch out
In history and art, modern names a period, not today. Modern art and contemporary art are different eras.
Every modern synonym sorted by what is new
| What is new | Choose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The time period | contemporary, present-day, current | Present-day farming uses drones. |
| The technology | up to date, advanced, state-of-the-art | The clinic has state-of-the-art scanners. |
| The look | sleek, minimalist, stylish | A sleek kitchen with steel counters. |
| The thinking | progressive, forward-thinking | A forward-thinking school board. |
How new does it feel? Recent to futuristic
Each chip pushes the date forward. Recent only says it happened not long ago. Current means in use or true right now. Up to date adds that it has kept pace with change. Cutting-edge means at the very front of progress, ahead of most rivals. Futuristic goes further still, looking like something from years ahead, and can sound a little odd or showy.
Up to date is a safe, modest claim; save cutting-edge for products that truly lead their field.
Swapping modern in real lines
- Modern society becomes contemporary society in a sociology essay.
- A modern phone becomes an up-to-date phone or the latest phone.
- Modern medicine becomes present-day medicine when you contrast it with the past.
- A modern apartment becomes a sleek apartment in a listing.
- Modern views on parenting becomes progressive views on parenting.
- Modern equipment becomes state-of-the-art equipment for a lab.
A rental ad says "modern apartment, modern kitchen, modern bathroom." Readers stop noticing by the third. "Bright apartment with a sleek kitchen and a newly fitted bathroom" gives each room its own detail and sounds more convincing.
Essay, listing or chat: which fits
Academic writing: contemporary and present-day are standard. Avoid trendy, which sounds like a magazine.
Property and product copy: sleek, stylish, newly renovated and state-of-the-art sell well. Back up high-tech claims with a feature.
Talking with friends: new, fresh and trendy feel natural. New school is slang and a bit playful.
Contemporary, current, new: the small differences
Contemporary can also mean from the same time as something else: a poet and her contemporary rivals. In that sense it does not mean modern at all. New means recently made or bought, so a new copy of an old book is not modern. Innovative praises fresh ideas, not dates. Fashionable describes what is popular now and may fade fast.
Opposites of modern
Old-fashioned is the friendly opposite and can be fond: old-fashioned manners. Traditional is neutral and often positive. Outdated, dated and antiquated are critical. Obsolete means no longer used at all.
- The software is obsolete and no longer gets updates.
- We kept the traditional fireplace.
See old synonyms and traditional synonyms for more.
Frequently asked questions
Is contemporary a synonym for modern?
Usually, yes. Contemporary points to now, but in art it names work from roughly the last few decades, while modern art is an earlier period.
Which modern swaps sound most impressive?
State-of-the-art and cutting-edge sound impressive for technology. Contemporary is the elegant choice for design and culture.
What word means modern and stylish?
Sleek, chic and minimalist describe a clean, current look. Trendy suggests it follows a short-lived fashion.
Which modern synonym works in an essay?
Contemporary and present-day are the safest. They sound neutral and avoid the period meaning of modern.
How do I describe something as not modern?
Old-fashioned, traditional and outdated are the usual antonyms. Ancient works for the very distant past.
Is up to date written with hyphens?
Before a noun many writers hyphenate it, as in an up-to-date map. After a verb it is left open: the map is up to date.