primeval

adjective

prī-ˈmē-vəl How to pronounce primeval (audio)
Definition of primevalnext
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period primeval forests slowly disappearing as the climate changed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 primeval The fragrance that wafts from the dish when the lid is lifted heightens the anticipation, the nose being the first point of entry and the most primeval of our senses. — Literary Hub, 4 Feb. 2026 The landscape of Rapa Nui probably never incorporated the sort of primeval forest of palm trees imagined in popular accounts, Pitts writes, but was more mixed, and scrubbier, with no one species of charismatic megaflora dominating. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Astrophysicists now believe that this nebulous stuff is a stellar incubator; the primeval chaos from which star formation is presently underway. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Instead, the franchise has been retooled for this brutal and bleak moment, further weaponizing desperation at a time when competition already feels omnipresent and almost primeval. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primeval
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primeval
  1. ancient
  2. primitive
  3. primal
  4. prehistoric
  5. primordial
  6. early
Adjective
  • Legend has it, Sperlonga was a stop on Odysseus's journey, and a group of ancient sculptures depicting scenes from the Odyssey were found in the grotto adjacent to the villa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Atolls are formed by ancient volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs.
    — NPR, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancient
Adjective
  • Good roads are vital to any but the most primitive economies.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026
  • But the football was largely primitive and uncompetitive, as only 13 countries competed.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • In many corners of the internet, tallow isn’t marketed simply as a moisturizer but as a return to something more primal and distinctly masculine.
    — Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
  • Inning over, Skubal flexed and let out one of his patented primal roars.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of primal
Adjective
  • Imagine two prehistoric humans hearing rustling in the bushes.
    — Alejandro Cárdenas Villa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Seven bidders battled for Gus for 10 minutes, as new wealth vied for a piece of prehistoric history.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Definition of prehistoric
Adjective
  • Even experienced eclipse chasers get a knot in their stomach about now as a primordial fear kicks in.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The primordial ooze here remains a blend of pluggnB and West Coast rap experimentalism a la Odd Future, the same sauce that linked 2023’s Balling Out of Spite with last year’s level-up art Pop*Pop Art.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Definition of primordial
Adjective
  • This helps explain why intelligent, experienced leaders can continue producing results while missing the early signs that their judgment, relationships, health, or influence are beginning to slide.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As statewide early voting draws to a close this weekend for the August 2026 primary election, Michigan election officials say more than 1 million voters have already cast their ballots.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of early

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primes
primeval
priming
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“Primeval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primeval. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of primeval for Spanish Speakers

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