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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in axiom
Related Words
2
as in essence
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Eric Nehm, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
According to Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist at UC Berkeley who also studies AI, the current debate about sentient machines revolves around this fundamental confusion.
—Webb Wright, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
This pathway to better understanding so many aspects of the Universe was supposed to continue, driven by new tools, superior developing technology, the next generation of scientists, and a sustained investment in the one endeavor — fundamental science — that benefits all of humankind.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025
Lately, some intriguing research papers have tackled this problem — a reminder that there may still be some fundamental breakthroughs that could upend the industry.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Noun
Early returns suggest the fundamental ideas are getting through to players.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
According to Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist at UC Berkeley who also studies AI, the current debate about sentient machines revolves around this fundamental confusion.
—Webb Wright, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
This pathway to better understanding so many aspects of the Universe was supposed to continue, driven by new tools, superior developing technology, the next generation of scientists, and a sustained investment in the one endeavor — fundamental science — that benefits all of humankind.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025
Lately, some intriguing research papers have tackled this problem — a reminder that there may still be some fundamental breakthroughs that could upend the industry.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
-
Even the smallest cabin, Clunie, has a kitchen area with a stovetop, microwave, and fridge; it’s also outfitted with basic kitchen utensils and Wi-Fi.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But Makovsky is concerned that a prolonged shutdown could cause disruptions as workers missing their paychecks must figure out how to pay for rent, groceries and other basic needs.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
4 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
-
In essence, the device aims to replace a lymphatic massage or gua sha, offering fascia release, fluid drainage, and smoother texture in one handheld gadget.—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Matsui, a Democrat, said time is of the essence, and called on her Republican colleagues to negotiate.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Ants display rudimentary counting abilities, can understand the concept of zero and make tools.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The voice performers — including Thomas Lennon, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villasenor, and Fortune Feimster — are superior to the rudimentary computer animation that probably works better on the small screen.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The Sonicare brushing app is proof that this maxim couldn’t be truer.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This new therapy offers a promising approach for creating effective clinical treatments by directly targeting the blood vessel problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Until recently, Academy, a public school that enrolls more than three hundred elementary-age students, had a single dishwashing machine that could handle one large sheet pan at a time.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
-
New buildings incoming After the approval of a $180 million bond initiative last year, KCKPS pledged to construct two new middle schools, consolidate two elementary campuses into one and add an addition to Sumner Academy within five years.—
Sofi Zeman
October 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Schools must follow state mandates on instructional hours, but states typically don’t set strict rules on how long a lunch period should be, so some principals whittle it down to twenty or twenty-five minutes.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
-
According to the rules laid down by Nobel in his 1895 will, the prizes can only honor up to three people per award — a growing challenge given the collaborative nature of much scientific research.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share