1
as in hulk
a big clumsy often slow-witted person
they looked like a tribe of Neanderthals compared to the bridegroom's patrician-looking family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in barbarian
a man with crude manners and habits and outmoded attitudes
made the mistake of dining with some Neanderthal who repeatedly mistook his shirtsleeve for a napkin
Synonyms & Similar Words
variants
or Neandertal
as in rude
not civilized
her boyfriend's Neanderthal tastes and manners were often embarrassing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Neanderthal
Noun
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There, beside the shiplike hulk of the Basilica of San Petronio—which is a work in progress, the foundation stone having been laid in 1390, and which somebody really should get around to finishing one of these days—was a vast white screen.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025 -
Like the port-holes of a hulk, Human spiders spin and spin, Backward down their threads so thin Dropping, each a hempen bulk.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Bautista will have the plum role of the immortal barbarian known as The Kurgen, who has been killing other immortals across the centuries in order to absorb their essence.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
-
This barbarian conceptualized this atrocity and brought it to reality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Israel’s attacks on Iran in the summer, followed by its shocking attack on Doha, have been received by the UAE as rude repayment for that kindness.—
Monica Marks,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
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Getty Images Soccer fans’ looking to buy tickets for next year’s World Cup got a rude surprise when prices were announced.—
Richard McGahey,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.—
Tanya Wildt,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
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However, over time the lump became lumps, and Shearer’s fears became reality.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Interestingly, that adds to the believability as the animals appear even more real and emotions come across even stronger.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Sep. 2025
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In addition, humans can contract Ebola from hunting, handling or eating infected animals such as bats, monkeys and antelope.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, 2023, and took more than 250 hostages in a savage attack.—
Nadeen Ebrahim,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
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Hamas are a bunch of savage animals.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The loser’s path becomes that much more formidable.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
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Tech companies, which have relied on H-1Bs for years, could be the biggest losers under the new rules.—
Patricia Lopez,
Mercury News,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Two slack-jawed, bare- foot drummers are wailing a caveman beat in unison—their syncopation and their short, efficient haircuts mark them as obvious members of a cult.—
Pat Blashill,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
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Here are some surprising ways to stay safe What is the 'caveman method'?—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Neanderthal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Neanderthal. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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