fundamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce fundamental (audio)
Definition of fundamentalnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject the purpose of the course is to furnish students with fundamental knowledge of human reproduction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

1
as in axiom

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in essence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word fundamental different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fundamental are cardinal, essential, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When might cardinal be a better fit than fundamental?

The words cardinal and fundamental can be used in similar contexts, but cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When would essential be a good substitute for fundamental?

Although the words essential and fundamental have much in common, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could vital be used to replace fundamental?

The words vital and fundamental are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fundamental
Adjective
That's a fundamental shift Democrats desperately need. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Photo: Magnolia Pictures/Everett Collection Hechinger possesses that fundamental quality of a character actor: the ability to transform while also retaining a fundamental essence. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
This success comes from a deep understanding of shopper psychology, precise execution of retail fundamentals and creating environments that resonate with how people want to shop today. —Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 Debates have heated up between investors on whether Tesla’s fundamentals have justified the stock’s recent declines — or whether the market has unduly punished shares. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
  1. basic
  2. axiom
  3. essence
  4. rudimentary
  5. maxim
  6. problem
  7. elementary
  8. rule
Adjective
  • The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.
    — Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of basic
Noun
  • There’s an old axiom in physics, which states that nature abhors a vacuum.
    — Letters to the editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There is a lot of axiomatics, which seems to be closer to the Greeks, but aren’t the axioms largely chosen at will?
    — Simone Weil, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Accompanied by sweeping string arrangements and powerful blaring horns, the song encapsulates the essence of modern mariachi while staying rooted in its timeless traditions.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Pretty much, Orji’s focus for the live format isn’t to recreate what’s been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of essence
Adjective
  • The adjustable-length stirrups will suit a wide range of riders, holding onto a rudimentary handlebar and sitting on a floating seat unit long enough to take a passenger, and capable of moving independently from the robot's ... butt joints.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.
    — Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • Many corporate leaders still adhere to Milton Friedman’s maxim that the primary purpose of a company is to maximize shareholder returns.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Lamar Alexander reminded me of a maxim from the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the conservative icon.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • Another problem: The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to hear its challenge of a rule that prevents a president from firing independent agency board members without cause.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Irving with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford along with Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington - that’s a team that would have been a problem.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • The Go Nuts For Reading program encourages elementary and middle school students to participate in an eight-book reading challenge at the beginning of the year, leading to free game tickets and a visit from the squirrel mascots, Nutzy and Nutasha.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities said the two juveniles were elementary and middle school age, Alaska’s News Source reported.
    — David Chiu, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • The only issue with the price Chelsea Women was sold for was that they were bought by their parent company in a move that helped the men’s team comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in 2023-24.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The top attorney for a California board that enforces labor rules said Thursday that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office may have violated state law over its handling of an order directing many public employees to work in person four days a week.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule

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fundament
fundamental
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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fundamental

Nglish: Translation of fundamental for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fundamental

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