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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet, there is little place for that primal urge in the modern world. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 One of our primal needs as human beings is to feel that love and positive energy, to be loved. — Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Tradition’s stubborn, and there’s still something primal about the boom and the body-rattling force of the real thing. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Watching a mother turtle haul herself ashore under a canopy of stars to lay her eggs is a truly primal and humbling sight. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 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

primage
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 10 Jul. 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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