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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This type of technology has significant potential to disrupt and transform archaic IT infrastructure practices at healthcare organizations globally.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025 -
How archaic tech, staff shortages and construction made a meltdown at Newark Airport The FAA has responded by trying to get more air traffic control students into the pipeline.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, up in Lake Bluff, on June 9, trustees unanimously approved an agreement with other government agencies that will salvage some of the existing Green Bay Road bridge structure for historical reasons and create a roadside exhibit.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
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In this heartwarming tale, Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who unwittingly plays a role in numerous significant 20th-century historical events.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 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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Penned by Taka Yacht Design, the yacht showcases classic lines from bow to stern that evoke a bygone era of sailing.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
7 July 2025
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The recipe comes from a bygone department store called Miller & Rhoads, which was founded in Richmond, Virginia, in 1883.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Overall, the graves have slowly revealed new clues about the prehistoric society that lived in the region thousands of years ago.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
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Director Gareth Edwards and screenwriter David Koepp give EW the inside scoop on creating these prehistoric monsters.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Murkowski, however, told Thune and the administration all along that tightening eligibility and work requirements for public benefits wouldn’t work for her state’s antiquated system.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
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The hospital also had antiquated wiring in the operating room, necessitating an upgrade as new technology has become available to support surgeries.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Dip in and out of buildings like the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum to see a collection of rare historic automobiles and The Grovewood Gallery, which represents over 350 artists from across the country.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
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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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Cite this Entry
“Atavistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atavistic. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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