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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 elemental
In past discussions, Asimov had employed the apt analogy of examining the elemental motion of gasses, where movements of each individual molecule is nearly impossible to predict, but taken as a whole its progressions and paths can be charted out across inconceivable oceans of time.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Like Mare, but slightly more elegant in its plotting, Task uses the detective-story format and the specificity of its rural Pennsylvania setting to explore elemental human problems.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
This produces both nobelium and element 89, actinium (Ac), which is found at the opposite end of the same elemental group as nobelium on the periodic table.
—David Szondy
august 27, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
But in the raw, elemental sense of being awake to the miracle and the absurdity of existence.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Like Mare, but slightly more elegant in its plotting, Task uses the detective-story format and the specificity of its rural Pennsylvania setting to explore elemental human problems.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
This produces both nobelium and element 89, actinium (Ac), which is found at the opposite end of the same elemental group as nobelium on the periodic table.
—David Szondy
august 27, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
But in the raw, elemental sense of being awake to the miracle and the absurdity of existence.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
-
Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The nature center also offers adventures for little ones, including a dig pit, a bird blind, easy trails, and programming for toddlers and elementary-aged children.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
And from January 2023 to June 2024, more than 800 instances of swatting were recorded at elementary, middle, and high schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even if partners don’t agree on every single detail pertaining to religion or politics, most healthy couples nevertheless share a rudimentary worldview.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Set in 1994 and kitted out with plenty of period-appropriate details, the film’s setting allows for all sorts of mystery (and one, quite funny, rudimentary internet search).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rodrigo’s introductory project is now up to 224 weeks on the main albums tally and streaming roster, but only 196 turns on the all-encompassing sales list.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
There’s a simmering rage and self-loathing to Blakey, which Latif matches in the form of unpredictable camera motion, but these introductory moments are about as energetic as the movie ever gets.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Their approach is founded on collaboration, where solidarity plays a fundamental role.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
This shift represents a fundamental change in how professional development happens, with corporations taking direct responsibility for credentialing workers in emerging technologies.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share