base 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 partnership extended off the track, too, with the German and British marques pairing up to build a stylish road car based on the legendary 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 June 2025 Experts recommend planning the order of your workouts based on your individual goals and preferences. Cathy Nelson, Health, 23 June 2025
Noun
Focus is on affordability, broadening Democratic base. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025 Though America joining the Jewish State’s more than weeklong bombardment of the Islamic Republic had split Trump’s MAGA base with the likes of Tucker Carlson denouncing such a move, Senators such as John Fetterman (D-PA) and Lindsey Graham (R-NC) Saturday praised the US attack. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 June 2025
Adjective
Nuñez is slated to receive a five-year contract with a base salary of $925,000 and annual performance bonuses of up to $400,000. Tom Urban, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025 The hood's finish is created by layering a base coat of paint that is then sanded down with a Maybach pattern that is printed onto it, adding two coats of clear lacquer to complete the process. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for base
Recent Examples of Synonyms for base
Verb
  • There will be three stages, with movement, mindfulness and other activities, ranging from workouts to a trampoline class and grounding meditation.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • But even if newscasts come with a certain level of formality, the anchors that ground the programs are only human.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Kavanaugh also noted that the Administrative Procedures Act remains an avenue for plaintiffs to bring challenges to presidential policies on a nationwide basis.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 June 2025
  • As technology continues to rapidly advance and new tools are released on a consistent basis, determining how to best tackle cybersecurity threats and a lack of regulations for AI use is essential to keeping sensitive information and valuable IP safe for the long term.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • While there was not a situation like the one going on between the Cincinnati Bengals and their first-round pick, Shemar Stewart, some doubters believed Hunter not signing with the Jaguars yet could lead to a rift down the road ahead of training camp.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • With training camp rapidly approaching, Richardson has provided a massive update on his shoulder injury.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Wolf, a seven-foot, 250-pound center, spent his first two college seasons at Yale before transferring to Michigan.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
  • Others, such as 18-year-old fellow center back Jordyn Bugg and 21-year-old Lilly Reale, will be playing with Girma for the first time.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In the bottom of the sixth, however, an opportunity for the Dodgers finally arose.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • The Wings alum opted for a white spaghetti strap dress with lemons and a striped design at the bottom.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Baloncesto Superior Nacional league announced Tuesday that Cousins was kicked off the Mets de Guaynabo after a vile gesture toward a fan, grabbing his genitals to mock the fan as the fan flipped both his middle fingers.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025
  • Today's extradition is a giant step forward in holding the defendant accountable for his unspeakably reprehensible and vile efforts to spread fear, chaos, and hate.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
  • The company remains true to the humble ethic of hard work and friendly customer service embodied by the founding family.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • His paint pressure was more predicated upon easy reads within Gonzaga’s offense as opposed to complicated progressions.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Trump’s America First policies are predicated on a set of lies.
    John Fanestil, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Base.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/base. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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