atavistic

adjective

Definition of atavisticnext
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavistic
  1. archaic
  2. historical
  3. old-world
  4. outmoded
  5. bygone
  6. prehistoric
  7. antiquated
  8. historic
Adjective
  • This leads him to suspect that his host is a Nosferatu, which is believed to be an archaic Romanian word for vampire.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Or will ageism and archaic conventions waste that potential?
    Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of archaic
Adjective
  • Supplied with the patient’s symptoms and historical medical records, algorithms can pinpoint the likely issue and suggest the best course of action, saving patients on initial consultation costs.
    Max Votek, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The team also conducted dating work on wood samples and other remains from the ship, which in combination with the available historical records, indicate that it was constructed between the late 18th century and the first half of the 19th century.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Adding to the old-world atmosphere, the restaurant is next to the Looff Carousel, originally built in 1895.
    Pat Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024
  • In the capital Panjim, feni holds sway at old-world tavernas and modern cocktail bars alike.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of old-world
Adjective
  • This is particularly true when the prevailing stereotypes are based on outmoded information.
    Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • More than half of federal prison facilities were built before 1991 and many are becoming outmoded or obsolete, the agency said.
    Michael R. Sisak and Michael Balsamo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of outmoded
Adjective
  • Downtown Los Angeles retains much of the style of a bygone era.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • And the officials showed photos of an old community that existed at various stops on the slope, evidence of a bygone era of smaller-scale, underground mining.
    Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of bygone
Adjective
  • These are prehistoric mammal relatives that lived during the Permian period (around 299-252 million years ago) of Earth's history.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Today, the caverns hold evidence of both the Maya and the people who inhabited the region before them, as well as the fossils of prehistoric megafauna.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • Whitaker has dealt with challenges including a surge in close calls between planes, a shortage of air traffic controllers and antiquated equipment.
    David Koenig, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Anyone who has filled out their tax return applied for a driver’s license, or booked a doctor’s appointment knows how frustratingly antiquated government services can feel.
    Greg Orme, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • In 2025, the Norwegian city of Stavanger will embark on a year-long celebration of its 900th anniversary, inviting locals and visitors alike to join in commemorating this historic milestone.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024
  • The historic performance nearly overshadowed Mikal Bridges’ Knicks career-high of 41 points, which led to the Spurs’ 117-114 defeat.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 25 Dec. 2024
Definition of historic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near atavistic

atavisms

atavistic

at close quarters

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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