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
Connection is a fundamental need that our bodies understand. —João Medeiros, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2025 Creating a false sense of urgency is a fundamental tactic of social engineering. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Once considered the future of the industry, these online-only businesses are now leaning into the retail fundamentals that have long been the building blocks of emerging brands. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 While the game has changed, Santana believes the fundamentals of the pitch are the same. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 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
  • While most homeless people strive to be good neighbors, not all are showing basic respect for their communities.
    — Matt Mahan, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Join 13 others in the comments View Comments Apart from more details on the reserve, industry bigwigs (who’ve long complained that the Biden administration was strangling crypto) are looking forward to some basic regulatory guidance.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of basic
Noun
  • Addressing reporters at the airport, Andrew Tate, who holds dual citizenship in the U.K. and United States, invoked a U.S. judicial axiom of being innocent until proven guilty.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Week 8 Winston for the win — Two more football axioms that rang true in 2024: The Ravens will find bizarre ways to lose games, and Jameis Winston will be a vehicle for metaphysical chaos.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Bob’s voice is so hard, and his essence is so hard.
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In essence, the Israelis want phase one to continue – the exchange of hostages, alive and deceased, in return for the continued release of Palestinian prisoners and the flow of higher volumes of aid into Gaza.
    — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of essence
Adjective
  • However, with even modern imaging technology, these rudimentary decoys are easily detected as fakes and hence less useful.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • It's currently billed as being capable of rudimentary tasks like loading cargo, and moving cases around warehouses.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • And Jim came up with a maxim for the ones about politics.
    — Al Franken, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • The problem with that scenario is that Stroman, previously considered expendable, now appears headed back into the Yankees starting rotation after all, thanks to an injury to last year's Rookie of the Year Luis Gil.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists can provide counseling to address gambling problems.
    — Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • Under the proposal, the district would change the start and end times for elementary, middle and high school, add 15 minutes to the elementary day, increase math instruction time at the middle school level and change to a block schedule with longer class periods for middle and high school students.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
  • What's happening: Sixth grade will be reconfigured into the elementary buildings, while middle schools will focus on seventh and eighth grades.
    — Linh Ta, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • The rule is simple: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox (as it's called in the Northern Hemisphere).
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The telework rules for unionized state workers are part of an agreement covering pension and health benefits that doesn’t expire until June 30, 2027, union officials say.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of rule

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“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 13 Mar. 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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