1
as in primitive
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development
rudimentary shelters built by prehistoric peoples
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
had only a rudimentary knowledge of science
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Recent Examples of rudimentary
However, their ability to do so is relatively rudimentary and often limited to specific situations, such as a predator encounter.
—
Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
Maybe its sensibilities are as rudimentary as those of a virus or a parasite.
—David Wallace-Wells, Vulture, 7 May 2025
Children’s Language Skills Young children whose language skills are rudimentary with tenses often confused are inexperienced reporters of what may have happened to them.
—Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Previous rudimentary systems to communicate with these animals involved a large dolphin-nose-sized keyboard mounted to the side of the boat back in the 1990s.
—New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
Maybe its sensibilities are as rudimentary as those of a virus or a parasite.
—David Wallace-Wells, Vulture, 7 May 2025
Children’s Language Skills Young children whose language skills are rudimentary with tenses often confused are inexperienced reporters of what may have happened to them.
—Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Previous rudimentary systems to communicate with these animals involved a large dolphin-nose-sized keyboard mounted to the side of the boat back in the 1990s.
—New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
Adjective
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Houde said these mammoth animals are a primitive group of proboscideans ('elephantoids') from which modern elephants evolved.—
Joseph J. Kolb,
Fox News,
18 July 2017
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Many are primitive and remote, and don’t have restrooms or water.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
12 July 2017
Adjective
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Even after one course Rudd can ask what brings them to the clinic and get basic background information.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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Essentially aiming to be distraction-free communication devices in the most basic sense, these generally have black-and-white matte e-ink screens, good battery life, the ability to call and text, and a couple of standard apps.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Last August, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved voluntary guidelines for districts to create their own cellphone policies and recommended restrictions removing cellphones from all elementary and middle school classrooms.—
Nate Iglehart,
Christian Science Monitor,
21 May 2025
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To point out the obvious, Del Mar’s McClurg is paid significantly more than her counterparts at the other local elementary districts.—
Marsha Sutton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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From that ugly introductory victory, the film goes on to portray the remaining 15-odd years in Magellan’s ever-loftier, ever-hungrier career, though Diaz isn’t massively hung up on historical dates and particulars.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
28 May 2025
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Students begin with three introductory modules, all available online now, then select an FSF discipline: design and product development, merchandising, marketing, or business strategy.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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This creates a fundamental mismatch between the investment horizons of businesses and the timelines on which the industries of the future depend.—
Mary Johnstone-Louis,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Beyond its role in defining styles, the exhibition raised fundamental questions about the relationship between art and industry, the function of ornament, and the need to connect design with social demands.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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