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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Executing on it will be more complicated because the entire system is based on archaic policies and principles.—
Dan Gingiss,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025 -
The chain gang will still be on the field as a backup option, but the archaic measuring system will no longer be the primary way to determine a first down or not on close plays.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Easter 2025 happens to fall on a day with an unusual number of historical tragedies and ironies.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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But the British inhabitants of St. Augustine still worried about attacks by the Spanish — hence the fortifications, according to numerous historical accounts.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Best booth: Chopard transported visitors to an old-world estate, anchored by a breathtaking orchid chandelier.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
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Everyone from Amelia Earhart to the Obamas has stayed in its handsome old-world rooms: among them, 124 guest rooms and 21 suites overlooking historic Lafayette Square and the White House beyond.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
AFAR Media,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Not least the outmoded idea that Republicans, when in power, shouldn’t use every available lever to implement their agenda.—
Varad Mehta,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 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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And while those other examples may be from a bygone era of joyful abandon, the current moment leaves a lot to be desired.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
25 Apr. 2025
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From the darkened facade to the seven-meter-tall ceilings to the cobblestones that cover Mercer Street, every detail sits at the periphery of both modernity and an unreachable bygone era, much like the label itself.—
Brett Braley,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Well, a team of scientists unearthed ancient footprints that offer insight into how various prehistoric animals lived as far back as 50 million years.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Before boarding the barge in Inverness, travelers can visit Culloden Moor, the scene of the famous 1746 battle, a pivotal moment in Outlander and Clava Cairns, the burial site of a prehistoric clan chieftain, widely believed to have inspired the standing stones of Craigh na Dun in the series.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As a result, coaches have gone back to including at least one center in their lineups, but many teams have experienced a great deal of success with the double big lineups that were once thought to be antiquated.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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There are a couple reasons why some states and death row inmates are turning to a method that might be seen as antiquated.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Besides properties of historic interest, the Charlotte History Museum is presenting a few other awards, as well.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
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Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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