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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atavistic
Adjective
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And in the courts, Trump administration lawyers are digging deep into case law in search of archaic statutes that can be cited to justify the ongoing federal crackdown — including constitutional maneuvers invented to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025 -
The Argentinian pope departed from archaic and ornate accessories favored by Pope Benedict XVI — including his bright red leather loafers — opting for humble, simple robes and sensible black shoes with an orthopedic sole.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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United say the categories were selected by historical demand for tickets.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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Align product, pricing and go-to-market strategies with where your most profitable future growth lies, not just your historical wins.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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For the Classic Bride For the bride who favors tradition and old-world charm, Prada’s pleated silk halter gown, cinched at the waist, feels effortlessly refined.—
Sarah Zendejas,
Vogue,
23 June 2025
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But each one has roots, from old-world grilling methods to colonial parades to clever ways of beating city heat.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Slow and costly interconnection processes and outmoded grid planning can prevent meaningful progress.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
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What all of this costs the networks and cable news outlets is surely sizable; what’s produced is beholden to the many limitations or traditions of TV news: outmoded news segment formats, restrictive standards.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The idea that only land invasions can achieve military objectives belongs to a bygone era—one that has cost the United States dearly in blood and treasure.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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The findings will be published, and the fragments archived for future academic study, with plans for eventual public display, allowing contemporary audiences to witness these extraordinary artistic legacies from a bygone era.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the movie sees an expedition brave isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
18 June 2025
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Humans, therefore, are assumed to be inherently tribal because of our prehistoric ancestors.—
Dr. Rami Kaminski,
Time,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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That said, there isn't a specific vehicle age where any car becomes so antiquated that it's rendered useless.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
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Think here especially of the crumbling Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, or antiquated water and sewer system and aging bridges.—
Howard Husock,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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For this historic journey, Kipyegon utilized male pacers to help establish the pace of the race.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Gonzalo scored 35 goals with the Juvenil A in the 2022-2023 season, leading his team to a historic national treble.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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