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fundamental

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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
Noun
Parents have the fundamental right to be involved in significant decisions affecting their child’s well-being, and schools should partner with families by ensuring open communication and transparency. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025 Only one team in the NL scored more runs (the Dodgers) than the Brewers managed with their fundamental approach. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 Palestinians are fully entitled to secure their fundamental right of self-determination, and all States remain obliged, more than ever, to assist them in their lawful & legitimate cause. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025 That means the boot camp — led by vocal coaches, renowned producers, fitness trainers and star choreographers — will go beyond the fundamental basics of singing and dancing by including mental health care, physical wellness, media training and global studies. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • Its boxy fit and hip-skimming length call to mind the actress’s style, while its fall-ready texture adds a trendy twist to basic outerwear.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Billowing sleeves and a loose, flowy hem allow the top to move with you through the airport, during sightseeing excursions, and even out to a nice dinner, and the neutral sage color keeps the top sufficiently wearable as your new go-to basic.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But perhaps its essence is best told by its most famous resident.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • This is the essence of the palpable belief in the vampire.
    Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The rudimentary device, likely made from firework explosives, was planted outside the front gate of Ranucci’s house in Campo Ascolano, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rome, the journalist told state broadcaster RAI on Friday.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The department, run by State Superintendent Jill Underly, relies on a rudimentary system to track its investigations, obscuring the scale of misconduct for policymakers and the public.
    Danielle DuClos, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sarr’s advocates counter with one of basketball’s maxims: Young centers, especially lanky ones such as Sarr, usually require more time to develop physically than perimeter players.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • And how does Simonson feel about my own Martini maxim: that it must be served with an odd number of olives, while an even number represents the apocalypse.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the problem with that method, Beach said, is that once families are residing in a hotel, they can no longer be verified as homeless by Cincinnati Behavioral and can’t get on the wait list for shelter.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, at that point, Jack is ready to create problems for other departments.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, my two sons attend Milford Schools at the elementary and high school level.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Higley Unified School District Seeks a maintenance and operations budget override of 15% to support teacher compensation, class sizes, educational resources for classrooms, elementary programs, including physical education, music and arts, all-day kindergarten and gifted programs.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After wrestling control of Long Island from the Dutch, British rule went mostly unchallenged for over a century before the region played host to the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The mother of a star high school wide receiver has sued the Ohio High School Athletic Association over a prohibition on high school athletes signing NIL deals, but the case might be resolved by a rule change and, if not, would face hurdles.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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