ATAVISTIC Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

atavistic

adjective

Definition of atavistic

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

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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 atavistic To dismiss animism as ignorant, superstitious, or atavistic is to partake in modern parochialism, and this serves the interests of those who, like the tree’s killers, delight in destroying life. — Colin Cepuran, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Safdie perceptively locates the protagonist’s troubling inner contradictions—the atavistic fury that drives him to compete and the intense self-control that competition demands—but dramatizes such outer crises as opioid addiction and conflict with his girlfriend (Emily Blunt) only schematically. — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 Rather than conjuring a mood of bracing inexorability, this linear focus only suffocates what might be an interesting debate, as a man of the modern world weighs his values against those of a woman raised in atavistic isolation. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 The experts think fiat money is mature and serious and the gold standard cranky, weird, and atavistic. — Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavistic

Adjective

Not that Georgian masculinity, with its macho, bellicose posturing and archaic codes of honor, is portrayed as anything other than fumbling and futile.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Li said that Yunnan would have offered our archaic human relatives a hospitable climate, rich in plant and animal life.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

But the work’s critics also appeal to its past; actual encounter is informed by historical circumstances, which means looking back.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The bill would have directed state agencies to recognize historical inequities affecting tribes, and to consult with them on water projects, plans and policies.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

Yet Marcon’s works defy old-world tempos with their pacing (the shots in Monelle, 2017, last no more than a second each), their length (several clock in at under five minutes), and, of course, the seeming ease with which they can be summarized.

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
Inside, long wooden tables and an extensive list of 50 beers on tap create a lively, old-world setting; outside, the street party adds music, games and seasonal pours.

— Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of old-world

Adjective

Personally, this idea that the woke nonsense is just an outmoded relic of the past is ridiculous.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026
If outmoded office buildings end up becoming once again viable as office buildings, Berman’s thesis could end up becoming a casualty of its own transformational success.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Definition of outmoded

Adjective

Arnold Roma became one of the most persistent voices behind an effort to resurrect Fire Patrol, arguing that New York had lost more than an antiquated insurance service.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Costco online cake ordering updates antiquated system The online cake ordering feature was first revealed to be on the way by Costco CEO Ron Vachris in the company's quarterly earnings call in December 2025.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of antiquated

Adjective

The New York Liberty are peaking at the right time and were able to complete a historic sweep of the Minnesota Lynx to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.

— Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Of course, Hemingway and McCarthy weren’t writing amid democratic backsliding and historic polarization.

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of historic

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“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of atavistic

adjective

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