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

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 elementary The students participated in Cobb County Superior Court's Courtroom to Classroom program, an initiative that introduces elementary students to the judicial system through a mock trial led by Chief Judge Anne Harris. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Apart from these new elementary closures, families at four elementary schools have already been planning for school consolidations. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 The most recent example lies with none other than New York’s current leader, Zohran Mamdani, who arrived as an elementary-schooler and grew up wealthy on Riverside Drive but understands innately how to talk Knicks and the right bodega order. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elementary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elementary

Adjective

This basic primer avoids specific military tactics, instead offering general advice for non-military personnel.

— Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
The process starts by inputting your name, address, phone number, email address and a basic description of your project online.

— Jason Rueger, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

This association with high status, as well as a rudimentary analysis of the size of the bones, led archaeologists to conclude that the burial belonged to a man.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
The animation is often rudimentary, particularly in outer-space scenes that are effectively a cut-out of a starship being dragged across a stellar background.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

Riley is usually at the Heat’s introductory press conferences, especially for players of James’ caliber.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Guests can also join Tibetan-style painting sessions lasting from half a day to seven days, or take a two- to three-hour introductory class in Tibetan calligraphy.

— Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of introductory

Adjective

Pressing is the fundamental quality for every player, even those in creative, attacking positions.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Imagine burning down your life's work just to gain an insider edge against a team that barely knows how to play fundamental baseball.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026