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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
Adjective
Filming on location, experiencing and feeling the daily life of each Indigenous people, listening to their languages and songs were fundamental to making this film. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 7 June 2025 That fundamental conflict of interest ought to matter to the Florida Bar. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Noun
In a recent Instagram video, Rodriguez shared his belief that kids today play too many games, stripping them of the ability to learn the fundamentals. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 6 June 2025 The brand’s fundamentals are strong, with growth of 20 percent year-over-year, the team said. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • The drones and their release systems had to be tested in these demanding conditions to validate their ability to carry out the basic components of the mission.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The basic premise was that given the seriousness of the issues at hand, the heads of State themselves needed to work out a coordinated strategy.
    Robert Hormats, Time, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
  • In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • These teachings, Tolstoy believed, formed the true essence of Christianity, which had been distorted by the church in order to protect its own interests.
    Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • In essence, all this accomplishes is to enable some devious shopkeepers to charge their fellow Jews even more money in these challenging times for adhering to dietary laws.
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Perry’s boxing skills were far too rudimentary for Paul and he was stopped in the sixth round.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Though being able to identify and pursue targets can make even a rudimentary swarm more dangerous, the ability to soak up the defender’s data, share that information with other drones and adjust based on what’s happening on the battlefield is far more lethal.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • La Fontaine’s focus on animals and penchant for moral maxims must have immediately attracted her.
    Susan Gubar June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Kesh’s remarks highlight how Alpha™ continues to solve problems for designers and consumers alike, building off a rich legacy and continuing to evolve textile technology.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • Debates over integration are far from settled Last year, before President Trump took office, Concordia Parish rejected a Justice Department plan that would have ended its case if the district combined several majority white and majority Black elementary and middle schools.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • But if Ayatollah Khamenei and his regime is seriously weakened that could destabilize the rule of the theocrats.
    Ian Pannell, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • The proposal added that a penalty would be assessed on any offensive player who violated the rule.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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