rudimentary

adjective

ˌrü-də-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce rudimentary (audio)
Definition of rudimentarynext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rudimentary For a while, Crystal Lake hews closely to the very rudimentary mythology introduced in Sean Cunningham’s original movie. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 Of all the conjurors of reverie the magic lantern is perhaps the most basic, almost rudimentary. — Literary Hub, 12 Oct. 2026 The concern is that a small, rudimentary drone like this one could be weaponized with explosives and do serious damage to a large concert, sporting event, or campaign rally. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 This sort of classification task is something that rudimentary AI, or machine learning systems, have handled for decades. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
  1. primitive
  2. basic
  3. elementary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • In 2019, Samsung released the original Galaxy Fold with a much more primitive hinge design.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026
  • American consumers deserved bargains on digital watches, pocket calculators, and primitive computers.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • Those running for the board have diverse backgrounds and varying ideas, but also near-unanimous agreement that district leaders need to do more to meet the basic needs of students struggling to pursue their higher education goals.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sure, public schools that can't afford to provide teachers with basic supplies like crayons and where nurses have to keep track of every bandage and packet of acetaminophen are performing surgery that costs $100,000-plus.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Given a candidate for universal operations, this program systematically explores all possibilities to express the 36 elementary functions, numbers and important constants.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Meaningfully reducing property tax bills for Illinois homeowners and businesses would require the state to take on a much larger share of the cost of elementary and secondary education, likely through the income tax or sales taxes.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Nihon University German film professor Shibuya Tetsuya, who gave an introductory lecture on German cinema, noted that the film even features a vegetarian vampire.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Northwestern women’s basketball coach Carla Berube speaks during an introductory news conference March 31, 2026, at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • The Democrat is running for Precinct 2 commissioner to create a government that works for everyday people, prioritizing lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The forcefulness of their singing conveys desperation, but preempts so much of the nuance that enlivens their songs—the fundamental regret in their voice grinding against the fundamental determination.
    — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of fundamental

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rudimental
rudimentary
rudiments
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Cite this Entry

“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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