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GRE vocabulary

anachronism

nounHigh-frequency wordMore A words

something placed outside its proper historical time

Word origin: From Greek anachronismos (ana- against plus chronos time).

In a sentence

Anachronism in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing anachronism in a sentence.

A rotary phone in a film set in 2025 is an obvious anachronism.

The wristwatch in the medieval drama was a glaring anachronism that critics seized upon.

Synonyms
incongruitymisplacement
Antonyms

None listed.

Usage & nuance

Using “anachronism” well

An anachronism is something out of its proper time, such as an object or attitude that belongs to a different era. It can describe both errors of placement and things that feel outdated.

Common questions

Questions about “anachronism

Anachronism (noun) means something placed outside its proper historical time
Here is anachronism used in an example sentence: "A rotary phone in a film set in 2025 is an obvious anachronism." Another example: "The wristwatch in the medieval drama was a glaring anachronism that critics seized upon."
Common synonyms for anachronism include incongruity, misplacement.
Anachronism pairs with incongruity and misplacement in GRE Verbal, signaling a chronological mismatch. The word itself flags a contrast between an element and the era around it.
Yes. Anachronism is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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