basal

adjective

ˈbā-səl How to pronounce basal (audio)
Definition of basalnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject many students lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 basal Plants produce a basal rosette of downy foliage in their first year and flower in the second season, after which the plants typically die out. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 The resulting fresh basal foliage should be left through winter. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026 Throughout the day, adenosine gradually accumulates as a byproduct of brain activity, increasing feelings of sleepiness by inhibiting wake-promoting regions such as the basal forebrain. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2026 None are toxic, but check for hollow single stems, milky sap and a basal rosette before any of it hits your cutting board. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for basal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basal
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. rudimentary
  4. introductory
  5. underlying
  6. fundamental
Adjective
  • This basic primer avoids specific military tactics, instead offering general advice for non-military personnel.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The process starts by inputting your name, address, phone number, email address and a basic description of your project online.
    — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • But now the Orange County School Board is poised to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from elementary and middle school campuses and allow them only at high schools, and only if the student has a driver’s license.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • Iranian media reported that body fragments of 32 victims of a bombing on an Iranian elementary girls' school nearly five months ago, identified after DNA tests, were laid to rest Wednesday.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • This association with high status, as well as a rudimentary analysis of the size of the bones, led archaeologists to conclude that the burial belonged to a man.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The animation is often rudimentary, particularly in outer-space scenes that are effectively a cut-out of a starship being dragged across a stellar background.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Riley is usually at the Heat’s introductory press conferences, especially for players of James’ caliber.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Guests can also join Tibetan-style painting sessions lasting from half a day to seven days, or take a two- to three-hour introductory class in Tibetan calligraphy.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Individual responses vary according to habitual use, genetics, age, medications and underlying health conditions.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Analysts pointed to its forecast for an underlying measure of revenue growth for the summer, which was weaker than Wall Street expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of underlying
Adjective
  • Pressing is the fundamental quality for every player, even those in creative, attacking positions.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Imagine burning down your life's work just to gain an insider edge against a team that barely knows how to play fundamental baseball.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

barters (for)
basal
base
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basal. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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