Definitions

atavistic

[at-uh-vis-tik] / ˌæt əˈvɪs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

primitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crude rough rudimentary simple uncivilized

STRONG

natural raw rude uncultivated unsophisticated wild

WEAK

barbarous brutish childlike ignorant naive nonliterate preliterate uncultured underdeveloped unlearned unrefined untaught untrained untutored vestigial

Antonyms

STRONGEST

developed experienced mature sophisticated

STRONG

calm civilized kind mild moderate nice polite refined tame

WEAK

cultured current modern new present

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The expanded assemblage has toured in Europe and North America, and a vital album — “Electric Ascension,” credited to Rova::Orkestrova — was released on Atavistic in 2005.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2016

Atavistic impulses and contradictions of her blood welled confusedly up within her.

From The Roof Tree by Conrey, Lee F.

Vocabulary lists containing atavistic

Into the Wild

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Fences

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!