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 Research from a Texas Christian University professor shows elementary students who get an hour of outdoor play daily perform better in the classroom. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Telra Institute, a public charter school in Charlotte, also ranked in the top 20 among local elementary and middle schools. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 In Spain, elementary and secondary schoolteachers began an indefinite strike in Madrid last week to demand better pay and working conditions. — Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Now, another shooting within the walls of a school has taken the lives of three elementary students and a teacher. — Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elementary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elementary

Adjective

Those running for the board have diverse backgrounds and varying ideas, but also near-unanimous agreement that district leaders need to do more to meet the basic needs of students struggling to pursue their higher education goals.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Sure, public schools that can't afford to provide teachers with basic supplies like crayons and where nurses have to keep track of every bandage and packet of acetaminophen are performing surgery that costs $100,000-plus.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

The district projects about $3,000 in cash and nearly $1,000 in expenses, including renting a post office box, maintaining its rudimentary website and buying supplies for outreach and education events, such as handouts and volunteer shirts.

— Beth Kassab, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Scouring Europe’s strikers using the most rudimentary of metrics — goals scored — throws up a familiar set of utterly unattainable targets.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

Nihon University German film professor Shibuya Tetsuya, who gave an introductory lecture on German cinema, noted that the film even features a vegetarian vampire.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Northwestern women’s basketball coach Carla Berube speaks during an introductory news conference March 31, 2026, at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductory

Adjective

The Democrat is running for Precinct 2 commissioner to create a government that works for everyday people, prioritizing lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
The forcefulness of their singing conveys desperation, but preempts so much of the nuance that enlivens their songs—the fundamental regret in their voice grinding against the fundamental determination.

— Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026