Backward
Backward adjective - Directed, turned, or done toward the back.
Primitive is a synonym for backward in knowledge topic. In some cases you can use "Primitive" instead an adjective "Backward", when it comes to topics like underdeveloped.
Primitive
Primitive adjective - Belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development.
Usage example: primitive wooden tools were used before the Iron Age
Backward is a synonym for primitive in knowledge topic. Sometimes you can use "Backward" instead an adjective "Primitive".
Nearby Word: primitively
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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In Isaac Asimov's Robot Detective series, Earth is primitive and backward compared to the Spacer worlds.
Source: Insignificant Little Blue Planet - World governments are enlightened and efficient; nation-states are backward and primitive.
Source: Overused Sci Fi Settings - A society may consider religion backward and primitive, consider it a dangerous tool for controlling the populace, or have discovered it was a Scam Religion.
Cite this Source
Primitive and Backward. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backward/primitive
Backward & Primitive. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backward/primitive>.
Primitive or Backward. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backward/primitive.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backward" and "primitive" have occurred on timeline