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fundamental

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fundamental different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fundamental are cardinal, essential, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When might cardinal be a better fit than fundamental?

The words cardinal and fundamental can be used in similar contexts, but cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When would essential be a good substitute for fundamental?

Although the words essential and fundamental have much in common, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could vital be used to replace fundamental?

The words vital and fundamental are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

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 fundamental
Noun
If this most fundamental right is allowed to perish, then the rest of our rights and liberties will topple just like dominoes. Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 In the world of drag, reading is fundamental. Nina West september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 As demand is increasing, Eva Gardow of EPRI said the fundamental concern will be control of that demand. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Strangely, there's little fundamental news moving the stock. Adrian Van Hauwermeiren, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • Everything from the abilities and systems to learn, the sprawling pantheon of characters and plot threads, and the basic length of the campaign is nearly doubled in scope.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The monochrome noir look is a default of fashion house designers and global creatives—basic is far from boring in Milan.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rob Picciolo axiom of ’98 that a ballplayer shouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens in a game, Cronenworth got a great jump out of the batter’s box, cornered first base precisely and made a crisp slide into second base.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Netflix's Drive to Survive docuseries, which helped F1 reach fans in the USA, captured the essence of such rivalries heating up in the background.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • So in essence, all of the money Nvidia has invested in Coreweave has come back to it in the form of revenue.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ants display rudimentary counting abilities, can understand the concept of zero and make tools.
    Big Think, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The voice performers — including Thomas Lennon, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villasenor, and Fortune Feimster — are superior to the rudimentary computer animation that probably works better on the small screen.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And how does Simonson feel about my own Martini maxim: that it must be served with an odd number of olives, while an even number represents the apocalypse.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Sonicare brushing app is proof that this maxim couldn’t be truer.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The key is preparing before problems strikes, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Mild listeriosis — which can cause fever, diarrhea, or other stomach problems — gets better without treatment.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In an attempt to help the elementary schooler conquer his fears, Gee picked him up and tossed him into the water below.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • As children grow, Pre-Performing Arts and Fundamentals programs introduce preschool and elementary students to ballet foundations, tap rhythms, musical theatre vocabulary, and the joy of ensemble work.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ezra is a doula who can see ghosts, and Jonathan is a widower mourning his late husband, Ben, who Ezra can inexplicably both see and hear, even though that definitely breaks ghost rules.
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • One video for the song Turista, for instance, focused on Lares, the site of the 1868 Grito de Lares revolt against Spanish rule.
    Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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