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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in essential
Synonyms & Similar 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
Zohran Mamdani, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
The club has long been associated with a style called ‘shoeshine and piano’, which in basic terms is ‘touch football’, similar to tiki-taka.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
There’s no question that Sophos goes beyond the basics, but Bitdefender is the clear winner for its impressive set of bonus features.
—PC Magazine, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
Adjective
Half of all New York households struggle to pay for their basic needs.
—Zohran Mamdani, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
The club has long been associated with a style called ‘shoeshine and piano’, which in basic terms is ‘touch football’, similar to tiki-taka.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
But this is financial literacy month, and there’s a quick way to test your knowledge of the basics.
—Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
There’s no question that Sophos goes beyond the basics, but Bitdefender is the clear winner for its impressive set of bonus features.
—PC Magazine, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basic
Adjective
-
Although contemporary smart assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant can manage rudimentary household commands—like turning on lights or checking the weather—agentic AI signifies a profound shift.—
Sandeep Shivam,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
These pioneers used rudimentary plows, but when steel plows became available farmers were able to plant and harvest much more food per acre to feed a growing population.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Keep scrolling to check out my 10 go-to beach essentials, with prices starting at just $9.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
And for keeping cords, chargers, and tech essentials tidy, the $30 Osprey Transporter Powerhouse Travel Pouch is another smart pick.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
-
Debates over integration are far from settled Last year, before President Trump took office, Concordia Parish rejected a Justice Department plan that would have ended its case if the district combined several majority white and majority Black elementary and middle schools.—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Trader Joe's mini sheet cakes are a must for many shoppers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 June 2025
-
In these turbulent times learning how to manage disputes is a must.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
The week of June 23, the full introductory collection will be available on both Nrgy’s and Revo’s websites, then roll out to select brick-and-mortar retailers.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
-
After his introductory remarks, Valenzuela welcomed record producer, DJ, filmmaker, and rapper Steven Ellison, who creates under the name Flying Lotus.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
In the best of circumstances, introducing a work requirement would take meticulous planning and investment.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
This would be Whitson’s second trip on an Axiom mission to the ISS, and part of NASA’s requirement that former NASA astronaut command commercial mission visits to the ISS.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
Court told Deadline that the kids content business has undergone a fundamental shift.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
10 June 2025
-
The real question is whether their presence changes the fundamental nature of what these events represent.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basic. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share