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vestigial

[ve-stij-ee-uhl, -stij-uhl] / vɛˈstɪdʒ i əl, -ˈstɪdʒ əl /




ADJECTIVE
surviving
Synonyms


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.

See Examples For:

We must remove this vestigial oversight and ensure the outcome cannot be gained by unscrupulous parties.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 1, 2026

Companies have skimped on dividends amid an epic bull run for stock prices, leaving the S&P 500’s yield of just 1.1% looking like finance’s vestigial tailbone—an evolutionary holdover without a clear purpose.

From Barron's Nov. 21, 2025

The reason these bumps are vestigial, and I’m not shopping for a bra with six cups, has to do with changes among our prehistoric primate ancestors.

From Slate Aug. 13, 2024

By the time her final husband of convenience realizes his role is vestigial, he can’t muster enough ire to make her flinch.

From Salon Apr. 5, 2024

We do see vestigial signs of automobiles in our village, but they resemble the signs of life you would dig up in a graveyard if you were inclined to that pastime.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver




Vocabulary lists containing vestigial


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