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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The use of this archaic law to once again try to justify mass detentions, xenophobia, and human rights abuses is deplorable and shocking.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025 -
And email remains — unfortunately — at the center of this archaic web.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Even in a historical context, the Thunder’s season has been exceptional.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Despite historical accounts of women teaching and attending university lectures behind screens from the late Middle Ages, such depictions were more myth than truth.—
Manuela Callari,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Best Hotels in Park City Goldener Hirsch is where old-world Austrian charm meets Deer Valley’s modern luxury.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
22 Mar. 2025
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Vintage decor is taking over today's home design world, and bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with antique pieces, old-world finishes, and nostalgic decorating trends.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law allocated $1 billion in funding to municipal gas utilities to fund the replacement and upgrading of their outmoded infrastructure.—
Dawn White,
Baltimore Sun,
2 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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The Alto Knights is titled after a local Mafia social-club hangout, as if suggesting an ode to bygone camaraderie.—
Armond White,
National Review,
21 Mar. 2025
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Some are ready to use, and others can be retrofitted to bring bygone spirit to your bathroom.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 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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Boca Baco, Granada Steps from historic Granada's cathedral, Boca Baco fills a breezy, beautiful patio space with local art and draping greenery for an unpretentious spot to enjoy one of the best meals in town.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
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The tour through Rome's historic center came after Francis made his first appearance in five weeks to give a thumbs-up and brief blessing from a hospital balcony.—
NICOLE WINFIELD,
TIME,
23 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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