Definition of primordialnext
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period all life on Earth supposedly came from a primordial ooze in existence many millions of years ago

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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.
Recent Examples of primordial Scientists at Colossal have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 Scientists at the company have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026 Dancing with an old fave will be almost as exciting as getting a glimpse of the primordial riverbed, which is usually covered with sludge. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 In the labs, visitors are shown how scientists take red blood cells from a developing egg embryo – within the blood will be the primordial germ cells, which develop into egg and sperm in adult birds. Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primordial
Adjective
  • But this modern approach is teamed with ancient medicinal practices and a holistic, full-circle philosophy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Passover is a major Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For example, synthetic blastoids develop a blastocoel cavity and the three main cell types (epiblast, trophectoderm, and primitive endoderm) within one week, just like natural blastocysts.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
  • There are nine primitive, tent-only sites without electric access.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the primal thrill of watching Rooney take games by the scruff of the neck at will never fade.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Evil Kirk is a frightening, primal menace, skulking around the corridors like a feral beast, chugging brandy and assaulting Yeoman Rand with no conscience.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This 50-square-mile crescent in the Pacific has the southernmost coral reef in the world and a wealth of wilderness walks that include everything from primeval banyan forests to endangered ground-dwelling birds.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California Time slows to a primeval pace in the sequoia groves that make up Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where arboreal giants have watched the seasons come and go for more than 2,000 years.
    Sarah L. Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Her burial site wasn’t far from where other prehistoric remains have been discovered over the years, on what was once a bluff overlooking the river.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Casa Grande's Great House Casa Grande, or the Great House, is one of the largest prehistoric structures built in North America.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Created by Nikki Igol and Steven Chaiken, who worked together at the fashion magazine V in the early two-thousands, the place is stocked with vintage issues of Paper, Vogue, and more.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) released its latest forecast for the mosquito season, predicting a slow start before a spike in early July.
    Ashley Grams, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

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“Primordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primordial. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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