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
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavistic
Adjective
-
But not the kind of mentorship that lies in the old, hierarchical, and archaic approach.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
22 July 2025 -
There’s a separate debate as to the archaic nature of email itself and the need for something new.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Supporters say the bill aims to protect historical monuments, not restrict peaceful protest.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
The story, though grounded in historical realities, soars with imagination.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Opened in 1912, this grand railway-era hotel blends old-world elegance with an unbeatable location: steps from Parliament Hill and close to the Rideau Canal, and downtown’s top museums and restaurants.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
22 July 2025
-
The bedroom is fitted with south-facing windows that allow natural light to flood the space and a 19th-century fireplace that adds a touch of old-world charm.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Would today’s investment be outmoded 12 months from now?—
Joe McKendrick,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
The problem is worsened by the broken and outmoded state of the Oscars’ Best International Feature category, which lets foreign governments handpick their own submissions and launder their public images.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Chekhov’s stories remind me of the futility of holding onto stories that hold rigidly onto a bygone past.—
Philip Metres
July 30,
Literary Hub,
30 July 2025
-
Albania offers the beauty of Europe, the hospitality of a bygone era, and a rare welcome mat for Americans who want to slow down, save money, and experience something authentic.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Both types of stone are fossilized prehistoric corals that are about 350 million years old, according to Visit Charlevoix.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
-
Here, evidence of prehistoric art can be found in rock formations such as the Gruta do Janelão cave, the largest in the canyon.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
In a later post, Trump threatened to scuttle the Commanders' plans for a new stadium, which would move the team from its current location in Maryland back to the nation's capital after renovating an antiquated stadium on federal property.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
20 July 2025
-
Updated our antiquated Town Charter to modernize governance, align with state statutes, and ensure transparency.—
Danielle Wong,
Hartford Courant,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
The new name is an homage to the historic 1886 hotel building’s first tenant, Henry Witherby.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
-
Willis Show Bar, located in Detroit's historic Cass Corridor, is temporarily closing its doors for the remainder of the summer, citing rising operational costs in a post on Facebook.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share