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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Today, modern applications of seemingly archaic tech can be found in examples using field-coil transducers from Songer Audio, Voxativ, and Wolf von Langa, while advancements in electrostatic and planar-magnetic technology have eliminated former restraints in bandwidth, volume, and reliability.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
15 Feb. 2025 -
The archaic society was known for the prowess of its soldiers and its brawny militarism.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The filmmaker is already developing several new projects exploring different periods in Chinese history, continuing her interest in finding contemporary answers through historical examination.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2025
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Avoiding sentimentality, Ross crafts a poetic, unflinching experience that captures both historical reality and the weight of trauma.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The resurgence of tea culture is nostalgia for old-world elegance and a modern craving for indulgent and transportive experiences.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Best show format: Richard Quinn’s snowy Georgian mansion, Connor Ives’ intimate setting with old-world model posing and Erdem’s night at the British Museum were each uniquely transformative and brand appropriate.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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After owning the crease for nearly a century, the Canadian goalie is apparently becoming outmoded.—
James Mirtle,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
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Replacing outmoded pipes with modern materials aligns with public policy and is the right thing to do for our customers and the environment.—
Jessica Babb,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Cougars basketball had mostly been forgotten, a relic from the past leaning on the bygone eras of Phi Slama Jama and Elvin Hayes.—
CJ Moore,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
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The Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks both relaxed their restrictions in 1999, and such policies were mostly relics of a bygone era.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Musée de Préhistoire de Terra Amata was built on a prehistoric site near the old port dating back 400,000 years.—
Alison Gregor,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
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Its reimagining acquires a true crime edge: as individual dinosaur remains unearthed by dinosaur hunters, thanks to cutting-edge science, experts work out how these prehistoric creatures lived, hunted, fought and died more accurately than ever before.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The White Sox had antiquated methods of compiling and analyzing data.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
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Rather than forcing all procurement processes into a single antiquated system, orchestration allows organizations to integrate their preferred tools while maintaining centralized control.—
Rujul Zaparde,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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One factor that has been holding back the cash rate’s descent has been the strength of the labor market, with unemployment rate hovering near a historic low level of 4.0% in December.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
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Thierry can be a little cynical about historic buildings in this country compared to the centuries-old architecture in his native France, but he was fascinated by Savannah’s urban planning and construction.—
Frances MacDougall,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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