atavism

noun

Definition of atavismnext
as in relapse

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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 atavism Karp’s ideological atavism is all too typical of the current bent of Silicon Valley. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Such atavism couldn’t be further from Alexandre Estrela’s technological vision. — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 10 June 2026 Their success depends on a careful combination of atavism and innovation. — David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026 Millet plays with the title and with the idea of atavism, in which an ancient trait asserts itself by skipping forward a few generations to suddenly appear in the gene pool. — Heather Scott Partington, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Early on, these doctors-cum-criminal-profilers explained bad apples through theories such as atavism. — WIRED, 21 Feb. 2023 If learning and gentility are signs of civilization, perhaps our almost-big brains are straining against their residual atavism, struggling to expand. — Richard Granger, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2022 Is my interest in the moon some dormant atavism from a more primitive era of human life? — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022 Western elites believed that in the twenty-first century, cosmopolitanism and globalism would triumph over atavism and tribal loyalties. — Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavism
  1. relapse
  2. return
  3. reversion
  4. regression
  5. lapse
  6. retrogression
Noun
  • These results suggest there are potential bodily challenges associated with abstinence that contribute to relapses in alcohol use disorder.
    — Marie Doyle, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Abstinence, too, was a primary goal, though the toolkit made clear that relapse should be treated as a setback but not necessarily a failure, and that recovery is not necessarily linear.
    — Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of relapse
Noun
  • Thomas finished with 140 receiving yards plus a 39-yard punt return.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Demand is accelerating, customers are seeing tangible returns, and supply remains the constraint.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of return
Noun
  • That sense is epitomised by the reversion to goalkeepers who can, unlike some of the strugglers from 2022-23, actually make saves on a consistent basis.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The next decades will be defined by explosive changes and waves of crises, not a reversion to the old order or the creation of a new one.
    — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversion
Noun
  • With Belton’s regression and weaknesses in pass protection relegating him to the backup right tackle, the starting right guard spot seems to be a competition between Jacob Monk (currently leading) and Burton.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Injuries have played a role in his regression; his first full season with the Bengals ended last November because of a hamstring injury.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of regression
Noun
  • At their worst, defensive secondary lapses and occasional offensive lulls kept opponents in games longer than necessary.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Through six games in August, Miami has given up 15 goals, and defensive lapses hurt the team again against Philadelphia.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of lapse
Noun
  • This book is all about the fight to stem the tide of retrogression.
    — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2025
  • Visa retrogression might become more of an issue for Indian and Chinese applicants who invest under the high-unemployment category due to its more limited availability.
    — Sam Silverman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of retrogression

Browse Nearby Words

at any rate
atavism
atavisms
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Cite this Entry

“Atavism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavism. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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