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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
If curtailed, future executive actions could go into effect in some regions while being blocked in others, leading to inconsistent rule of law and potentially unequal application of fundamental rights. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Decades of research show that the PBS programming helps children learn to read, understand math, stay safe, and absorb fundamental science concepts, adds Ritt-Olson. Sarah Scott, Parents, 15 May 2025
Noun
From there, however, Alcaraz zags where the others zig, inverting one of the fundamentals of tennis probability. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 15 May 2025 The gulf between Tesla’s $1 trillion market value and its underlying fundamentals like sales and earnings continued to widen after weekly data from China revealed a worrying trend. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • Even Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group known for public records litigation often aimed at uncovering information about Democratic officials and administrations, said it is increasingly being forced to fight in court just to access basic records.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • In addition to abortions, Planned Parenthood clinics offer birth control, pregnancy testing, STD testing, and basic gynecological services.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
  • It’s become a political axiom of sorts that policies championed largely by Democratic city leaders over the past half decade have resulted in rising crime levels.
    Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Each formula is powered by the nourishing properties of guava fruit essence and Kakadu plum extract—two superfruits rich in vitamins A and C, known to support scalp health, restore hydration, and help prevent breakage.
    Essence, Essence, 13 May 2025
  • La Pinta, the expedition yacht There is simply no better way to get to the heart of Galápagos’ true magic and essence than aboard a ship—and none is better equipped for that task than La Pinta.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Children’s Language Skills Young children whose language skills are rudimentary with tenses often confused are inexperienced reporters of what may have happened to them.
    Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Previous rudimentary systems to communicate with these animals involved a large dolphin-nose-sized keyboard mounted to the side of the boat back in the 1990s.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • War is hell — and Warfare does its damnedest to honor that old maxim.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Here, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share some essential maxims for senior leaders to follow when offering feedback to direct reports, along with why these principles are so useful for providing guidance to build strong, high-performing teams. 1.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As studies begin to find connections between exposure to plastic and medical problems, doctors and scientists are increasingly concerned.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The creek is known for having a sewage overflow problem and posing a health hazard to any who enter it.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Last week, the Legislature approved a statewide school-day ban in elementary and middle schools.
    Christopher J. Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • The committee also pushed back on Lamont over the Education Cost Sharing grant, the main funding program to support local elementary and secondary school operating expenses.
    Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Romance has always been a popular genre, but is often stigmatized for the same reason hordes of people seek it out: its set rules.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
  • Israeli military rule would last nearly four decades, during which Hamas emerged as a splinter of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in the 1980s, until a 2005 disengagement.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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