primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: original, primitive

… village life continued in its primal innocence.

—Van Wyck Brooks

2

: first in importance : primary

Synonyms of primal

• main
• greatest
• primary
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• central

Examples of primal in a Sentence

the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity

there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics

Recent Examples on the Web

The album was recorded with producer and engineer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Sunny Day Real Estate) in a studio in rural Washington that allowed the duo to soak up the forest, incorporating this primal vibe into the new material. —David Harris, SPIN, 7 Apr. 2026

The theology in such conflicts usually masks more primal power struggles and still tends to make the wars and warriors more fanatical and bloodthirsty. —Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

probably from prime entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing primal

• primal scream therapy

Rhymes for primal

• thymol
• ependymal
• mesenchymal
• lachrymal
• lacrimal

Kids Definition

primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: of or relating to the first period or state : primitive

2

: first in importance : basic