as in archaic
formal
very primitive
—used to describe feelings or qualities that human beings have had from the earliest times
atavistic instincts reverting to atavistic behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavistic
Adjective
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Executing on it will be more complicated because the entire system is based on archaic policies and principles.—
Dan Gingiss,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025 -
The chain gang will still be on the field as a backup option, but the archaic measuring system will no longer be the primary way to determine a first down or not on close plays.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Easter 2025 happens to fall on a day with an unusual number of historical tragedies and ironies.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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The destinations also had to offer scenic views, tasty, historical sights and plenty of activities, the publication said.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Everyone from Amelia Earhart to the Obamas has stayed in its handsome old-world rooms: among them, 124 guest rooms and 21 suites overlooking historic Lafayette Square and the White House beyond.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
AFAR Media,
14 Apr. 2025
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Best booth: Chopard transported visitors to an old-world estate, anchored by a breathtaking orchid chandelier.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Not least the outmoded idea that Republicans, when in power, shouldn’t use every available lever to implement their agenda.—
Varad Mehta,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Mar. 2025
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Instead of using this opportunity to make Bond a more inclusive franchise, Bezos could very well lean into the franchise’s outmoded machismo, returning Bond to an aggressive womanizer and pillar of a brand of masculinity that aligns with the values of the far right.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Begin your walking tour at Plaza Mayor Courtesy of Madrid City Tourism Start at the famous Plaza Mayor, whose 17th-century square transports you to a bygone era.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 Apr. 2025
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The net effect is the same: experiencing the look, feel, sound, and even smell of a bygone era when the Mustang was the car to beat.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Part of what makes America beautiful is its special creatures like the prehistoric-looking Mojave desert tortoise, whose survival in Nevada is more dire since a federal grant awarded to protect it from being run over by cars is among the frozen grants.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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In more recent years, however, prehistoric dinosaurs, speeding zombies, and even ancient Greek heroes have invaded the city, thanks to a plethora of movie makers choosing it as their primary filming location.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In 2018, Russia blamed Israel for an incident in which an antiquated Syrian S-200 anti-aircraft missile destroyed a Russian military transport while targeting Israeli fighter jets, killing all 15 Russian personnel aboard.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Too many fouls, not enough freedom for creativity and an antiquated two halves format have kept him from diving in.—
C.J. Doon,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Besides properties of historic interest, the Charlotte History Museum is presenting a few other awards, as well.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
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The new measurements may lead researchers toward a historic discovery.—
Daniel Apai,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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