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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elementary
Housed in a decommissioned subway station in downtown Brooklyn, the museum was packed with elementary-school children on a field trip.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
The initiative, co-championed by home improvement retailer Lowe’s, entails working with elementary, middle and high schools to raise awareness.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
Bernhardson also spent time as an elementary principal in Inver Grove Heights Schools.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Her once bubbly elementary schooler seemed distracted and pulled away from school, her friends and the world.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
The initiative, co-championed by home improvement retailer Lowe’s, entails working with elementary, middle and high schools to raise awareness.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
Bernhardson also spent time as an elementary principal in Inver Grove Heights Schools.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Her once bubbly elementary schooler seemed distracted and pulled away from school, her friends and the world.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elementary
Adjective
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At that point, the operator would recite the most intimate details of a patient’s health history to hook her before launching into a few basic screening questions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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Ross argued that allowing local police to provide basic crowd control — rather than restricting coordination — could have reduced risks during recent confrontations.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Nothing about the way these cartels operate is rudimentary.—
Kevin Maurer,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2026
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Fentanyl production, for example, requires only rudimentary chemistry knowledge, a precursor chemical imported from China, and a working kitchen.—
Joanna Conti,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And many banks offer zero-percent APR cards, which typically provide cards with no interest for an introductory period of, say, 12 to 15 months.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
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Or head to the Bergman Bowl for introductory bowl skiing, which boasts one green run above the treeline (for more experienced beginners).—
Alison Fox,
Outside,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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So, music is one component, a very important component, fundamental and even elemental.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2026
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The First Amendment establishes fundamental freedoms of speech, press, religion, and peaceful assembly.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elementary. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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