PRIMITIVE Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

primitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpri-mə-tiv

Definition of primitive

as in rudimentary

belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development primitive wooden tools were used before the Iron Age

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ancient

relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period a primitive period in church history when members still lived in communes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in naive

lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment her taste in art was still primitive, but she knew schlock when she saw it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

primitive

2 of 2

Example Sentences

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 primitive

Adjective

There are two types of primitive CM meteorites — CM1 and CM2 — and the biggest difference between them is how much water altered their composition while they were attached to a larger asteroid. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 Researchers initially determined the Hillsborough remnants belong to one of two types of primitive meteorites known as CM-type carbonaceous chondrites. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 July 2026

Noun

It can be used to achieve a lot of other cryptographic primitives. — Quanta Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024 Meanwhile, humans have regressed into being primitives that the apes hunt for sport, or feed out of pity from beside their campfire. — EW.com, 2 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for primitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for primitive

Adjective

Fauci repeated his statement, answering none of the rudimentary questions.

— Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Something as rudimentary as remembering the play calls as training camp got underway, was also top of mind.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 July 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

The company’s Orick sawmill began operating in 1954 and processed ancient redwoods for 55 years before closing in October 2009.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
The disaster also prompted the study of ancient floods as a way to gauge how common large flash floods are in specific areas — a field called paleoflood hydrology.

— Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 27 July 2026

Definition of ancient

Adjective

If Keegan’s Newcastle could be naive and beautiful as well as destructive, Howe built a team of hard-running swarmers who, at their best, would do anything in their power to win.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2026
In that climate, long-term loyalty to a single company can feel naive, even counter to one’s own interests.

— Kate Vitasek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of naive

Noun

The world drew heavily from the paintings of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta, who depicted scenes of barbarians and beasts in conflict, of pulp fiction heroes, femme fatales, and fierce warrior women.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
To an outsider, the scene may spark a certain Schadenfreude, like an army of tiny barbarians sacking Rome.

— Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Definition of barbarian

Adjective

In many corners of the internet, tallow isn’t marketed simply as a moisturizer but as a return to something more primal and distinctly masculine.

— Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Inning over, Skubal flexed and let out one of his patented primal roars.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of primal

Adjective

While the area was formerly covered by prehistoric lakes, today the water here mainly exists as seasonal wetlands, gurgling geysers, hot springs, and a hypersaline lake that’s saltier than the ocean.

— Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
The species has remained unchanged since prehistoric times, finding ways to survive while other species became extinct, according to the San Diego Zoo.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Definition of prehistoric

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“Primitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primitive. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of primitive

adjective

noun

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