ELEMENTARY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

elementary

adjective

ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē

Definition of elementary

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject students who do not have even an elementary knowledge of geography

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of elementary 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. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026 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. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 June 2026 For example, the Douglas County School District maintains a bell-to-bell ban for elementary and middle school students. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 24 June 2026 The missive cites a slew of studies suggesting that AI software such as ChatGPT may atrophy critical thinking skills and creativity during the crucial developmental years of elementary and high school. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elementary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elementary

Adjective

Attacks on ships — and the threat of them — virtually halted traffic in the waterway during the conflict, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and raising prices on many basic goods, including food, far beyond the region.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
If your bathroom has a basic flush mount, don’t be afraid to replace it with something more eye-catching, like a sputnik chandelier or a lantern pendant.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

The outpost may resemble something of a rudimentary city on the moon.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

Meantime, earnings forecasts have soared, largely but not exclusively on the back of the AI-equipment bottleneck, providing plenty of fundamental cover for the tape.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026
All of these detention facilities have in common a fundamental disregard for our health and well-being.

— Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026