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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All wore dark formal kimonos and solemnly made the sign of the cross in front of their faces before starting their prayers — a mix of archaic Japanese and Latin.—
Foster Klug,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025 -
Of note is the incorporation of vocabulary from Ivan’s archaic Norm language, a special touch that entranced me.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Our assessment is grounded in a thorough analysis of Caterpillar’s existing valuation relative to its recent operational performance and historical financial state.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Peekaboo Animation, Fabrique Fantastique Targeted at kids 4–8 years old, this educational and adventurous comedy series introduces kids to famous figures like Mandela and Mozart in their childhood, blending humor and historical insight.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Jam girl summer celebrates old-world traditions often associated with homesteading, such as growing your food, cultivating gardens, raising chickens, baking and cooking from scratch, and yes, making jam.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
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Inspired by a trip to China and the intricate art of traditional chinoiserie, the print blends old-world craftsmanship with a modern palette of soft green tones.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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But those ideas reflect an outmoded view of China and a fundamental misunderstanding of its economic and political system.—
Bob Davis,
Time,
12 Apr. 2025
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Our rounded bellies and our heavy thighs in the run-resistant, outmoded styles.—
Hélène Bessette,
Harpers Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the bygone era, many attributes were the sort of magical connections that took place in IRL and were not masterminded in boardrooms or via digital platforms.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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The engagement and accessibility and near-innocence of the vibe felt like something from a bygone era.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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The obvious difference is the lack of a coastal element, as Sand Valley’s courses are spread across 12,000 acres of prehistoric sand dunes.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Beneath the surface of Warm Mineral Springs, divers have discovered prehistoric remains dating back 10,000 years.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Extra pomp doesn’t have to skew antiquated, either, as several modern variations from upscale brands like Sferra and Annie Selke illustrate.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
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Read about the towns across the country that are successfully moving away from antiquated parking mandates.—
Casey Moran,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Your town may have a trash pickup walk, a Thanksgiving turkey trot or a stroll to historic sites.—
Elizabeth Passarella,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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No, something far more historic was happening that day.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
5 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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