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

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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 Close’s messaging remains consistent — to empower young women to succeed outside of basketball while at the same time being detail-oriented and demanding in terms of execution and fundamentals. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 28 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
  • At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.
    — Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • 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
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
  • That, in essence, is Thibodeau’s basketball religion: Selfless basketball rooted in read-and-react execution.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In essence, Hoyer’s fate is likely tied to the Tucker acquisition.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 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
  • Migration is a continuing problem in France with an influx of 317, 000 immigrants from outside the EU in 2022, up from 222,000 in 2013.
    — Simon Constable, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The problem instead is that the gap between research and classroom practice remains as wide as ever.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • The district’s elementary and middle schools were releasing students beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the junior high and high schools were planning to release students starting around 2 p.m.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 4 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
  • Dunne’s Back-Pay Argument Dunne committed to LSU in 2017, four years before the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Interim rules went into effect.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • For 18 months, every discussion about Newcastle United’s transfer strategy has necessitated mention of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Apr. 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 16 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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