Neanderthal 1 of 2

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as in barbarian
a man with crude manners and habits and outmoded attitudes made the mistake of dining with some Neanderthal who repeatedly mistook his shirtsleeve for a napkin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Neanderthal

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adjective

variants or Neandertal

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 Neanderthal
Noun
The remains of Neanderthals do not show clear evidence of lower intelligence than modern humans, some scientists have argued. Peter Guo, NBC news, 28 May 2025 Indeed, the placement of the ochre fingerprint could suggest that Neanderthals were more advanced artists than traditionally thought, adorning objects not only with fingerprints but with human faces, as well. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025 His lab’s studies have shed light on how humans migrated and adapted to new environments and how traits linked to Neanderthal DNA are gradually being eliminated from the modern human genome. Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025 Archaeologists recently unearthed a bone projectile point someone dropped on a cave floor between 70,000 and 80,000 years ago—which, based on its location, means that said someone must have been a Neanderthal. ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Neanderthal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Neanderthal
Noun
  • Remember: Without the stunning moment when the boat kisses that frozen hulk, this Best Picture winner is just another Romeo and Juliet knockoff.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
  • Like the ghostly hulk of the Titanic below the surface of the sea, Northbrook Court is a quiet and cavernous relic — at the bottom of the retail food chain.
    David Petitti, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Once, some 2,000 years ago, so many such personages (then known as barbarians) came to Paris simultaneously that the city was destroyed.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • This new Leo is poised to save America’s democracy from American barbarians within, seeking to destroy centuries of democratic compromise toward a more perfect union.
    Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly one in four Gen Z professionals viewed the thumbs-up as rude or hostile.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • This strikes me as rude and short-sighted (no pun intended).
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The grill has a large hopper, which Masterbuilt claims holds up to 12 hours’ worth of lump charcoal, and feeds the heat to the cook chamber via a fan.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 3 July 2025
  • Stay away from any watermelons that are shiny, unevenly shaped, or have visible damage, including bruises, cuts, soft spots, bulges, or lumps.
    Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Writer and director Gunn has designed the movie to appeal to children, from the bright look of the film to lots of animals and colorful characters running around.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • How to prevent exposure to the plague To prevent exposure to plague, Coconino County officials have the following tips: Avoid contact with wild animals.
    Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 2023 grand marshal is former Arizona Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords, gravely wounded in a savage mass shooting in 2011 that also killed six people.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2022
  • As savage Arctic cold was getting ready to surge south across North America, vivid imagery based on data from weather models showed us what was going to happen.
    Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • But just like the dollars that will stay in many taxpayers' pockets and add $3.8 trillion to the national debt, there are large sums for industry packed into the 870-page law, making several winners and losers.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • For investors, developers, and tenants, the message is clear: The forthcoming shakeout from America’s return to office will create distinct winners and losers, with the South leading the way into recovery.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The 'caveman method': Woman's skincare routine is dividing the internet, raising eyebrows How effective are pimple patches?
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • The writer-director finds a playful entry point by starting not in Manhattan but in a majestic rocky landscape where the only signs of life are a hot caveman returning from foraging and placing a makeshift ring on the finger of the woman waiting for him.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Neanderthal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Neanderthal. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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