Synonyms for primeval
- adjective
Most common
All synonyms
Adjective
1. Primal — primitive
primal, primordial, primitive, aboriginal, ancient, immemorial, pristine, autochthonous, old, original, early, prime, initial, primary
Other
Definitions
- adj. 1
Primitive.
Related words
- Word family
- primevality primevalness
- Other spellings
- primaeval
Choose the right word
Aboriginal, autochthonic, and primeval combine the meanings of ancient and original; aboriginal inhabitants, autochthonic races, primeval forests. Primeval simplicity is the simplicity of the earliest ages; primitive simplicity may be found in retired villages now.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- primitive Magic plays an important part in primitive society.
- aboriginal Layla reached an Aboriginal settlement in safety.
- primal There's a certain primal joy in building a fire.
- primordial We lay together and enjoyed the primordial delight.
- patriarchal The patriarchal system has always been more prevalent.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| primeval | steady | |
| primitive | falling | |
| aboriginal | steady | |
| primal | rising | |
| primordial | rising | |
| patriarchal | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- old1
- 5 letters
- early2, prime1
- 6 letters
- primal2
- 7 letters
- primary3, ancient2, initial3
- 8 letters
- original4, pristine2
- 9 letters
- primitive3
- 10 letters
- aboriginal5, primordial4, immemorial5
- 11 letters
- patriarchal4
- 13 letters
- autochthonous
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (early2 = 2 syllables).