1
as in rudimentary
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development
primitive wooden tools were used before the Iron Age
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
a primitive period in church history when members still lived in communes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
her taste in art was still primitive, but she knew schlock when she saw it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in barbarian
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of primitive
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
The James Webb Space Telescope spotted the most primitive galaxy ever seen.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Quanta Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, humans have regressed into being primitives that the apes hunt for sport, or feed out of pity from beside their campfire.
—EW.com, 2 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for primitive
Adjective
The primitive crops were critical to early agriculture and, in more recent times, have been a cheaper alternative to animal proteins.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
The James Webb Space Telescope spotted the most primitive galaxy ever seen.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Noun
It can be used to achieve a lot of other cryptographic primitives.
—Quanta Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, humans have regressed into being primitives that the apes hunt for sport, or feed out of pity from beside their campfire.
—EW.com, 2 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for primitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primitive
Adjective
-
Together, the findings in chimpanzees and bonobos suggest a rudimentary form of syntax, the rules that govern word order in human language and give it flexibility and creativity.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
But those tells generally show up only in Claude’s most rudimentary outputs.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Grounding might include a Ku Nye full-body massage inspired by ancient Tibetan healing traditions that stimulates the meridian system, acupressure, kneading, deep-tissue techniques and a Tibetan head massage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Naadam is described as an ancient cultural spectacle and one of the few opportunities outsiders get to experience Mongolian culture up close.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Erin Dubreuil leads the cast as Cady, credibly playing a naive teen, but with the vocal and dance chops of an experienced pro.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
-
Palace require depth, and loaning anyone who is considered to be able to play a part would be naive.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
In the series adaptation, from creator, executive producer and co-showrunner Turner (Up In The Air, X-Men First Class), a ruthless and crass barbarian is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch on a road of self discovery, redemption and revenge.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
Created by Mike Moreci and Nathan Gooden and edited by Adrian Wassel, Barbaric centers on a ruthless and crass barbarian who is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch, on a road of self-discovery, redemption and revenge.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The bugs seem to have a primal knowledge of my whereabouts, and a craving for my blood that goes beyond mere thirst.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
-
While the immortal jellyfish evokes our wonder and curiosity, the deep sea and its creatures can often stir a deep, primal fear in us.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
The actor, 39, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of simple battery in a Louisiana criminal court Wednesday, June 3, according to records obtained by USA TODAY.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
At the time, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed its officers charged LaBeouf with two counts of simple battery for allegedly assaulting two men near a bar in the French Quarter.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The Indians in Westerns had war paint and whooped like savages.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
Nature can be a lot of things—beautiful, bloody, sweet, savage.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
Europe is home to some of the most iconic ancient ruins on the planet, from prehistoric stone circles to entire Roman cities frozen in time.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Primitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primitive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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