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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elemental
Spectroscopy could split light emitted from objects into a kind of barcode that characterized elemental makeup.
—
Quanta Magazine,
28 May 2026
The stars' elemental makeup isn't sufficient for determining the galaxy.
—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
But there’s something more than trolling at work, something elemental in the response to Scranton.
—
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Trade those greatest hits for a few hours’ drive above Dublin and the reward is a wilder, more elemental Ireland — Atlantic headlands carved by weather rather than postcards, beaches that appear out of nowhere, and cliffs that don’t require elbowing for a view.
—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Quanta Magazine,
28 May 2026
The stars' elemental makeup isn't sufficient for determining the galaxy.
—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
But there’s something more than trolling at work, something elemental in the response to Scranton.
—
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Trade those greatest hits for a few hours’ drive above Dublin and the reward is a wilder, more elemental Ireland — Atlantic headlands carved by weather rather than postcards, beaches that appear out of nowhere, and cliffs that don’t require elbowing for a view.
—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
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But access to toilets, showers and basic supplies are limited.
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The values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport.
Adjective
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During discussions about elementary and middle school social studies curriculum, board members made addendums, including education about the horrors of communism, why the Second Amendment was created and how counterculture increased the rate of divorce.
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The measure includes a list of texts that would be required reading during each grade level in all the state's public schools, and includes Bible stories and verses in grades ranging from elementary to high school.
Adjective
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Many are rudimentary and low-stakes, but the meaningful ones are still buried within the total volume.
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But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills.
Adjective
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An introductory section designed by Studio Adrien Gardère will spotlight the savoir-faire of Le19M’s 11 resident maisons d’art, focusing on the gestures, tools, materials and creative processes that define them.
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The space hosted introductory watchmaking workshops, information on professional opportunities and career paths organized by the Swiss Watchmaking Industry Employers’ Association (CP).
Adjective
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Gregory Maynard, executive director of the Boston Policy Institute, a City Hall watchdog, said the coordination between the Council and mayor’s office points to the Council’s fundamental inability to carry out its budget amendment authority, which was granted by voters in a 2021 ballot referendum.
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And there are calls for more fundamental changes, including reconsidering whether the legal mandate for six-day mail delivery is financially sustainable.
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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