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

The Spanish is archaic, the intonations are complicated, and the words tumble over themselves like a hard charge toward the goal posts.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
For golf cart operators, that evolution absolutely begins by ditching archaic lead-acid relics engineered for a bygone era.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

As the industry has expanded, many historical differentiators have now become table stakes.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
At the same time, however, a common thread running through modern retreats and historical spas is that both provide succor for people who have ailments for which standard medicine might not have an answer yet, Köhler continues.

— Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

Inside, its 69 rooms and suites blend chalet coziness with old-world elegance, many offering postcard-worthy views of the Matterhorn.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026
Driven by a growing panic over fast-evolving Chinese tech competitors, the old-world rivals are abandoning the tradition of corporate secrecy.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026

Definition of old-world

Adjective

Such discussions often uncover resident sentiments about equipment deemed outmoded, unrealized expectations and inconvenient access.

— Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Their outmoded style, with its seriousness and corniness, its big acting choices and low budgets, is basically impossible to recreate without falling into parody.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Definition of outmoded

Adjective

Reminiscent of a bygone era, these massive ships often serve as floating ambassadors on diplomatic missions.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
In this context, many proslavery Americans saw the song’s protagonist as longing not just for bygone days but for a return to slavery.

— Christopher Lynch, The Conversation, 1 July 2026

Definition of bygone

Adjective

Millions of years ago, the peaceful water, lack of scavengers, and fine sediment created perfect conditions for preserving these plentiful prehistoric fossils—fish, alligators, stingrays, turtles, and even small horses have been found here.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
The site dates to Thailand’s late prehistoric period, also known as the Iron Age, which lasted roughly 2,500 to 1,500 years ago.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of prehistoric

Adjective

By wrapping antiquated infrastructure in agentic interfaces, these workers can unlock near-native operational efficiency without a risky, catastrophic core system overhaul.

— Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
But what, exactly, is that robot doing watching fireworks next to a little boy and a man in antiquated garb?

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of antiquated

Adjective

And in one section, 1,200 cc engines are being assembled for the company’s new superpremium motorbike, the Norton Manx R, one of four new models from the historic British brand now owned by TVS Motor and set to go on sale later this year.

— Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
New York — The stocks that have fueled Wall Street’s powerful AI rally are suddenly under pressure as investors evaluate rising tensions in the Middle East, take profits after a historic run and reassess where to find value.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026