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
But there remains a fundamental disconnection from human experience and values. — Gabriel Snyder, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 General ousted after publicly doubting Carter Other fundamental disagreements about America’s strategic direction have played out in the public spotlight, with military officers openly calling into question – and subverting – the decisions of civilian leaders. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
Requirements for Deep Sea and Space Travel According to David Klaus, a professor of aerospace engineering science at the University of Colorado Boulder, the fundamentals and preparation of deep sea and space travel are very similar. — Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025 The course will introduce the fundamentals of birding over three consecutive Wednesdays: March 12, March 19 and March 26. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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 basic Hulu subscription with ads is $9.99 per month, while the Disney+, Hulu Bundle basic starts at $10.99/month.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Sailing lessons: Learn basic sailing skills and terminology from the instructors of the Central Florida Community Sailing Program during this six-session class.
    — Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of basic
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Since the New Year’s ball dropped, there has been a flood of mixtapes that, with their own regional twist, capture that essence in different ways.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Smokey, tangy, and subtly sweet—the overall flavor somehow captures the essence of a warm, breezy evening on the beach.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of essence
Adjective
  • Chase scenes are easily tracked over rich urban terrain, and shootouts tend to play out in clear, rudimentary compositions.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But those rudimentary models based on pre-defined rulesets are rapidly becoming obsolete compared to the current capabilities of AI.
    — Sailesh Sewpaul, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • Bringing out the Dickensian maxim about the worst of times abutting the best hardly begins to do justice to such an abrupt reversal of fortune.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025
  • And Jim came up with a maxim for the ones about politics.
    — Al Franken, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • The problem for City on the day, and in several games this season, was that there was no end product after the dribbles.
    — Sam Lee, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Once that is figured out, the industry can negotiate with countries to minimize trade problems.
    — Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • In a separate statement, Keller’s board of trustees thanked Johnson for her fiscal leadership and for her leadership in implementing a student cell phone ban during school hours as well as bringing armed security to elementary and intermediate campuses.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Interestingly, many of the elementary schools built here from 1886-1891 were named for poets, including John Greenleaf Whittier.
    — Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • But Senate rules require 60 votes to get balls rolling, and Republicans had just 52 yes votes in the Upper Chamber.
    — Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • So who is responsible for actually enforcing existing conflict of interest rules where they can be applied?
    — Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of rule

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“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 25 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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