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

Related Words
2
as in essence

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Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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
The bulls pointed to Nvidia’s role as the premier chipmaker and the fact that compared to its fundamentals, the stock is still trading at a fair price. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025 Instead, focus on the fundamentals of your business, your household and your local economy. —Joe Nimmons, Denver Post, 9 July 2025
Noun
That’s the central irony, and fundamental weakness, of the doctrine guiding his administration today. —Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025 The report reveals the fundamental reason why the jet crashed, but much remains unexplained. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 12 July 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
  • In many of these places, girls are 25 percent less likely than boys to access the knowledge needed for basic digital tasks.
    — Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • An analysis published on July 9 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that Trump’s cuts put a third of basic scientific research programs at risk, while the National Institutes of Health could have its budget cut by 40%.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 July 2025
Definition of basic
Noun
  • To prove those true statements, mathematicians would have to add a new axiom.
    — Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025
  • In his first inaugural address in 1933, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid out a political axiom that would come to shrewdly diagnose America's thorny brand of insularity.
    — Clare Morell, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • With continuation funds, asset managers in essence are using new investors’ money to pay off old ones.
    — Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The miscommunication that Scorsese’s blurb refers to as the essence of our crise is the product of both political tragedy and B-movie sensationalism.
    — Armond White, National Review, 23 July 2025
Definition of essence
Adjective
  • Few technologies, and certainly few so rudimentary in design and execution, have done more for the betterment of the world than shipping containers.
    — Tony Morley, National Review, 25 July 2025
  • This is the most simple kind of AI agent that basically provides a rudimentary function.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • Keeping with that maxim, McNally begins with his suicide attempt in 2018 on the heels of a debilitating stroke.
    — Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
  • Kennedy’s views of individual ingredients oscillate between commonsense dietary maxims and conspiratorial musings.
    — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • More: Silver carp, harmful to fish and water, detected in western Wisconsin's Chippewa and Black rivers The group had done their homework on why these fish are problems.
    — Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Each subject line should feel like it was written specifically for one person dealing with a real problem today.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students.
    — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
  • By starting early with high school and even elementary education, institutions can introduce students to the importance of natural resources and the role of mining in the energy transition.
    — Ed Macha, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • What if my neighbor doesn't follow Milwaukee's rules about weeds and grass?
    — Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Her charges, as a rule, have been greatly comforted in their final moments.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Definition of rule

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 30 Jul. 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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