as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
even if you're not planning on becoming a scientist, you should have an elemental knowledge of chemistry
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Recent Examples of elemental
At its most elemental, Black History Month is about seeing the nation in full.
—
Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Buckley navigates the film in elemental sorrow without sentimentality, delivering what many consider the performance of the year, and undoubtedly her career so far.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
Few things are more elemental than food.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
These Ni and Fe measurements offer a promising pathway to explore the foundational elemental makeup of other planetary systems.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
Buckley navigates the film in elemental sorrow without sentimentality, delivering what many consider the performance of the year, and undoubtedly her career so far.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
Few things are more elemental than food.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
These Ni and Fe measurements offer a promising pathway to explore the foundational elemental makeup of other planetary systems.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
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When first delivered, Valkyrie could walk on flat surfaces and perform basic actions, such as grasping and manipulating objects.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The event also includes an art show by Julian elementary schoolchildren and crafts made by club members.—
Martina Schimitschek,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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That plan would also require redrawing elementary and junior high boundaries.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There’s infectious joy and wonder as the Eridian who will come to be known as Rocky begins communicating with Ryland, at first with rudimentary signals and then with more complex language once Ryland rigs a translation device.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
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The result is a kind of rudimentary, cyborg turtle hot rod.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
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Visits that require a provider cost $29 each for patients who are not One Medical members or not using an introductory offer through Prime.—
Amina Niasse,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Though Pollan hesitates to claim that a fundamental aspect of human capability and human experience remains beyond science’s reach, A World Appears closely maps out such a territory.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
11 Mar. 2026
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One of the benefits of working with a consistent team is them really understanding the flow of the show, the fundamental restrictions and benefits of a venue like the Dolby, and how it can be captured on camera by our brilliant director, Hamish Hamilton.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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