primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl How to pronounce primal (audio)
Synonyms of primal
1
: original, primitive
… village life continued in its primal innocence.—Van Wyck Brooks
2
: first in importance : primary

Synonyms of primal

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Examples of primal in a Sentence

the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics
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Take The Night Veils, for example, which seeks to capture the spirit of the night through fragrances that can best be described as primal and mystic. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Wellbeing and community are the buzzwords here, with an impeccable roster of classes and courses from yin yoga and primal movement to cookery, pickling and ceramics. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 Prepare for emotion, some skin, swearing, darkness, a primal scream and lightning. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 Later on, in the fourth quarter, after an errant pass was batted upward and, eventually, into the hands of an offensive lineman, Kelce, ever the ambassador for his undersung position, was full of primal delight. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primal

Word History

Etymology

probably from prime entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of primal was in 1604

Phrases Containing primal

Rhymes for primal

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Browse Nearby Words

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primal
primal cut
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Cite this Entry

“Primal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

primal

adjective
pri·​mal ˈprī-məl How to pronounce primal (audio)
1
: of or relating to the first period or state : primitive
2
: first in importance : basic
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