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

In addition, the belief that hip-hop artists are required to acquiesce and musically circumscribe themselves to appease mainstream audiences is archaic in many respects.

— Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026
In addition, the belief that hip-hop artists are required to acquiesce and musically circumcise themselves to appease mainstream audiences is archaic in many respects.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of archaic

Adjective

Woven throughout are historical photos Davis found in local archives.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
This show-stopping historical hotel on the edge of the moor combines roaring fires and old-world grandeur with one of Devon’s best spas.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

In fact, Foster applauds Tikhman for gently voicing concerns when, in the throes of the project, her old-world sensibilities started to feel a bit too old.

— Michelle Ruiz, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
More importantly for us, Badrutt’s combines old-world polish with a genuinely relaxed attitude to families.

— Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of old-world

Adjective

This tense aspect pushes us to evolve and strip away outmoded patterns, confronting our relationship with vulnerability, control, and fear.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
The group is silent and still, reverently absorbing the mechanical chug of this nearly outmoded office machine like Hollywood Bowl-goers taking in Joshua Bell.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of outmoded

Adjective

But they would eventually be seen as a relic of the bygone days when Mexicans ruled — days that gringos imagined would never return.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
In the absence of physical tickets, multiple bespoke, aftermarket businesses have sprouted, each offering fans the opportunity to reclaim a bygone tradition.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of bygone

Adjective

With their prehistoric dispersal methods long gone, are these trees at risk?

— Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
The dinosaur attacks have at least one upside, though, as running from the prehistoric beasts forces Denise and Greg to overcome their marital tension.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of prehistoric

Adjective

Move beyond antiquated notions of making your first three seconds a logo and a tagline.

— Phoena Pang, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Causes include an antiquated business model, declining advertising revenue and hedge-fund buyouts that have gutted papers.

— Pamela E. Walck, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of antiquated

Adjective

During the extended vote count, Colom acknowledged the historic nature of doing what Espy could not.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Her grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the SS United States and played a major role in bringing the historic vessel to life.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026