as in ancient
relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period
all life on Earth supposedly came from a primordial ooze in existence many millions of years ago
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Recent Examples of primordial
For example, take Maika’s hunger, which is primordial, terrifying, and magnificent.
—
Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
However, the researchers are not yet ruling out the possibility that at least some of the water on Earth may be primordial in origin.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
The researchers simulated early Earth and how its primordial environment affected the color of the planet’s oceans.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Runaway camels and primordial volcano tremors make for clumsy attempts at literary symbolism, but such details — combined with a tourist culture that seems frozen in the ’80s, and a Dascha Dauenhauer score rooted in classic noir — contribute to the feeling of a place unstuck in time.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primordial
Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
However, the researchers are not yet ruling out the possibility that at least some of the water on Earth may be primordial in origin.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
The researchers simulated early Earth and how its primordial environment affected the color of the planet’s oceans.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Runaway camels and primordial volcano tremors make for clumsy attempts at literary symbolism, but such details — combined with a tourist culture that seems frozen in the ’80s, and a Dascha Dauenhauer score rooted in classic noir — contribute to the feeling of a place unstuck in time.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primordial
Adjective
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The dire wolf genome analyzed to determine what those changes were was extracted from two ancient samples—one a 13,000-year-old tooth found in Sheridan Pit, Ohio, the other a 72,000-year-old ear bone unearthed in American Falls, Idaho.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
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Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolf’s closest living relative, the company announced Monday.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
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Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
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The truth is, sure—the odd primal scream or rage run probably isn’t gonna hurt ya.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
21 Mar. 2025
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Gaga ended the song with a primal scream, her eyes wide and unblinking.—
Rachel Syme,
The New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The little mountain park lay almost at our feet, a gem of unspoiled primeval beauty.—
Percy Brown,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2025
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About three hours from the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the cloud forest feels primeval and otherworldly.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The layoffs are expected to shrink HHS to 62,000 positions, lopping off nearly a quarter of its staff — 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers.—
Carla K. Johnson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
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Officials said approximately 10,000 jobs will be cut through layoffs, with an additional 10,000 positions eliminated via early retirements and voluntary separations.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Primordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primordial. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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