base 1 of 3

as in to ground
to find a basis she based her argument on careful research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

base

2 of 3

noun

1
2
as in camp
a place from which an advance (as for military operations) is made the army's base of attack was kept top secret until the battle began

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in bottom
the lowest part, place, or point the base of the mountain extends over a huge area make sure the base of the stove rests evenly on the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations the army base is three miles down the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

base

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective base contrast with its synonyms?

The words low and vile are common synonyms of base. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than base?

The meanings of low and base largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

Where would vile be a reasonable alternative to base?

In some situations, the words vile and base are roughly equivalent. However, vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

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 base
Verb
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025 Health officials emphasize that the effects of exposure can vary based on time, place, and individual health status. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
India has signaled interest in Tesla setting up a base in the country, though the country’s protectionist policies present some obstacles for the EV maker. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 Explosions reported near military base in Kirzhachsky district, Vladimir region — local media A road leading from Moscow to Kirzhach has reportedly been blocked. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The brand’s trio set offers a classic color, along with a base coat and top coat—and the brushes are flat and densely packed with synthetic fibers for precision painting. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 Overall, this is a great option for everything from travel to sun protection to a base layer on cold days. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for base
Recent Examples of Synonyms for base
Verb
  • So, what keeps this young group grounded as the pressure mounts?
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Hayden Scott grounded out to shortstop and Gaeckle struck out Ben Royo and Terrence Kiehl to end the inning.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Eventually, Torrens could cool off and Senger’s bat might prove difficult to play on any kind of regular basis.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Pick up a regular post of substance where people can come to learn from you, trust you and be influenced by you on a consistent basis.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • All this chill time at camp is really allowing the social dynamics to finally breathe and evolve.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The move comes on the heels of massive changes at the center, as President Trump fired the president and chairman in early February.
    Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Research shows harboring resentment erodes your mental and physical health, consuming your thoughts, keeping the hurt at the center of your daily activities, weighing you down and depleting energy that could be channeled into more positive and creative directions.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Teams that finish over the second apron in two or more years over a four-year span have that seven-years-in-the-future pick automatically moved to the bottom of the first round.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Giants' decision to trade into the bottom of the first round for a quarterback but pass on Shedeur Sanders in favor of Jaxson Dart was one of the more controversial moments of the night.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Fans, some of them little kids parroting what their parents were saying, called him vile names.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This match was brimming with goals and officiating controversy, and on the whole, the weekend was a humble reminder to everyone who dared question the chaos quotient in this league: The limit does not exist.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Amidst heated debate about what sneaker will take the Adidas Sambas’ crown for shoe du jour, Richie Grainge offered up the humble Reebok.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Often it’s predicated on purely emotional appeals and seeking out scapegoats without actually solving anything and doing great long-term damage on even the most robust of democracies.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Magic’s half-court offense is predicated on getting the ball to Banchero or Wagner and having someone set a screen to give Banchero or Wagner a matchup against a smaller or less mobile defender.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Base.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/base. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on base

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!