BASAL Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

basal

adjective

ˈbā-səl

Definition of basal

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject many students lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic

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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 basal When blooming slows in the fall, cut back the whole plant to the new basal growth to keep it healthy for spring. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026 On the other hand, Silphium terebinthinaceum has basal foliage that stays close to the ground while its inflorescence is wildly airy. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 Your eyes constantly produce a thin layer of basal tears to keep the cornea lubricated, and the duct quietly shuttles that trickle into the nose, where it’s absorbed or blended into normal nasal mucus without a trace. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 If dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia degenerate as happens in Parkinson’s disease, movements become harder to initiate and slower once they are commenced. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for basal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basal

Adjective

As is now the norm, basic cybersecurity would have prevented it.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
The Cowboys surrendered 419 total yards, blew basic run fits, and failed to force a single takeaway.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

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
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

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

The basic model of competitive markets which one finds in an introductory economics textbook—where independent firms engage in cold arm’s-length transactions motivated by unadulterated self-interest—does not apply to the industry.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
JetBlue is offering some introductory fares for BlueFirst seats for select flights, including a $299 flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a $249 option from New York to Fort Lauderdale and a $299 option from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.

— Maggie Roth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductory

Adjective

How do cells with the same underlying molecular handedness produce bodies that can develop in opposite directions?

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
But the lesson of these recent developments is that, at some point, the US may have to look seriously at the underlying problem creating this mess in the first place.

— Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of underlying

Adjective

For companies like Target, listening to employees is fundamental.

— Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Earnings growth projected to exceed a 20% year-over-year growth rate again this quarter can hardly be viewed as anything but a positive at least to bolster the fundamental case.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

barters (for)

basal

base

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“Basal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of basal

adjective

Example Sentences

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