BASIC Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

basic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbā-sik

Definition of basic

as in rudimentary

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

basic

2 of 2

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 basic

Adjective

The basic plan is free, but more powerful subscriptions cost up to $100 a month. — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The technology supporting those activities can change even when the basic business needs do not. — Karen Koehler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

Shop for every area of your home and even stock up on cleaning basics while the deals are aplenty. — Emma Ashe, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 Shoppers can score breezy shorts, airy tanks, and swishy skirts alongside everyday basics like easy T-shirts and socks built for hot weather comfort. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for basic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basic

Adjective

That effectively turns the window unit into a rudimentary ground-source heat pump.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
People in New York City looked up in shock and dismay; people everywhere else watched their favorite anchors on old-fashioned television sets and looked for updates on very rudimentary versions of news websites.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Noun

The Róse brand collection of everyday elevated essentials continues the designer’s focus on a sustainable wardrobe.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Members can use the Uber Eats app to shop for Costco products, including fresh produce, bulk groceries, household essentials and other items sold at their local warehouse.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Allow me, before dealing with twentieth-century science, to dwell upon one more elementary fact.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
And, in New York City, the nation’s largest school district recently rolled out a new policy restricting screen time for elementary and middle school students, along with the use of artificial intelligence.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

New data presented at the UC Board of Regents meeting Wednesday shows that more first-year students are failing introductory math courses now than six years ago when the university moved to a test-blind admissions process.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Together, the introductory courses make up about 5% of the classes freshmen take, ranging from 2% at UC Irvine to 12% at UC Merced.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of introductory

Noun

By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Yet after this rapid expansion, any potential slowdown in AI demand growth, or efficiency gains that reduce data center power requirements, could introduce significant instability into power grid operations.

— , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

Other research points to fundamental flaws of SAT and ACT testing, including that students from higher-income families tend to have higher SAT scores.

— Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
The drilling partnership therefore addresses a fundamental part of the deployment model.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

bashings

basic

basically

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“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basic. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of basic

adjective

noun

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