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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

Examples of fundamental in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Dafoe’s vampire, while grotesque, is a pitiful figure who embodies the strange, fundamental sadness of vampiric existence. James Grebey, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 But at the same time, a person with aphasia, who are sometimes unable to utter a single word, can still engage in an array of cognitive tasks fundamental to thought. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Retail investors piling into the market on the back of escalating geopolitical tension are helping to boost prices higher than fundamentals justify. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2024 Some senders seek grand purpose or demand recognition while seemingly unaware of existing research and physics fundamentals. Andréa Morris, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fundamental 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fundamental.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near fundamental

Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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