PRIMITIVE Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

primitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpri-mə-tiv

Definition of primitive

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

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

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

primitive

2 of 2

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 primitive

Adjective

Yet, the oxygen isotopes in these primitive samples remained virtually untouched by parent-body alteration. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026 This confident hybrid of live action and animation is unapologetically primitive and loose. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Sep. 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

The kitchenette is rudimentary with a mini fridge, stovetop (no oven), a sink, and a few cooking essentials, including two different coffee makers.

— Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
This sort of classification task is something that rudimentary AI, or machine learning systems, have handled for decades.

— Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

This chapter is accompanied by somewhat twee images of an owl doll, a bottle of designer perfume, a high heel, and a golden microphone positioned against various ancient Greek ruins, including the Parthenon and the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Its wonders include countryside wineries, ancient archaeological sites and unforgettable beaches.

— Rick Steves, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of ancient

Adjective

Rebecca and Verity, which stars Johnson, are also about a new, naïve lover entering the home of a bad man with a wife hidden in his house of horrors.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Their 16-year-old had gone from being a naive gamer to converting to an extreme vision of Islam in a matter of months – and began judging the world through that dark prism.

— Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of naive

Adjective

Dance movies marvelously translate primal emotions into motion, the human body becoming a supple instrument deftly communicating the pain, ecstasy and confusion of being alive.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Jefferson’s relationship with Hemings is a primal scene in the national imagination.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of primal

Adjective

His lyrics, his hooks, his unmistakable voice, his optimism, his belief in the power of a simple song to make people feel good.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Some people want to change the world, and others want to operate in simple harmony with it and savor life.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

Noun

Perhaps if it had been marketed as a quirky arthouse film, critical expectations might have been tempered and the naysayers’ assessments a bit less savage.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026
The Danish director’s Pusher trilogy (which was restored and rereleased last year) had been handheld, hyperrealistic, and savage; Drive, on the other hand, was ethereal and moody, its characters submerged, their delivery precise.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of savage

Browse Nearby Words

primings

primitive

primitively

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Style

“Primitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primitive. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of primitive

adjective

noun

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