basic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
Definition of basicnext
as in rudimentary
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

basic

2 of 2

noun

as in essential

Related Words

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 basic
Adjective
In 2024, the National Assessment of Educational Performance reported that 33% of fourth-graders read below basic, 28% at basic and only 39% at proficient or advanced levels. — Jose Cruz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER — America's AI boom is a jobs opportunity, not an excuse for universal basic income. — FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
Shoppers can score breezy shorts, airy tanks, and swishy skirts alongside everyday basics like easy T-shirts and socks built for hot weather comfort. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Affordable doesn't have to mean Amazon basic, and this set is my proof. — Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for basic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basic
  1. rudimentary
  2. essential
  3. elementary
  4. must
  5. introductory
  6. requirement
  7. fundamental
Adjective
  • Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And packing no GoTo computer requires at least a rudimentary knowledge of the night sky and a star atlas or planetarium software.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • The survey revealed that parents spend about $466 per month on family-friendly retail and experiences, which excludes essentials.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the real United States, single people tend to pay much more for essentials such as rent and groceries.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • According to the district, only 83% of elementary seats and 79% of middle school seats were filled during the 2024 to 2025 school year.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The district is also preparing to develop a new elementary-school literacy curriculum this school year, with the help of new state funding.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • Of course, installing last week’s security update is also a must.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, reading the instructions on any product is a must, McCarthy said, to use it safely and maximize its effectiveness.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of must
Adjective
  • Berg was asked Tuesday in his introductory press conference about how his private equity experience might inform his role.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Some operations begin by offering a low-cost webinar or introductory course.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Noun
  • This latter requirement is contingent on very strong or extreme geomagnetic activity.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • State media published the list of requirements from Zolghadr, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
    — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Adjective
  • Huang said computing is undergoing its first fundamental technology-platform transition in roughly 60 years, shifting from a traditional model to one centered on artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

bashings
basic
basically
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Cite this Entry

“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basic. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of basic for Spanish Speakers

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