Synonyms of fundamental

fundamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl 

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject

the purpose of the course is to furnish students with fundamental knowledge of human reproduction

Synonyms & Similar Words

• basic
• rudimentary
• elementary
• introductory
• underlying
• essential
• elemental
• basal
• beginning
• simple
• rudimental
• meat-and-potatoes
• preliminary
• primary
• abecedarian
• primal
• prime
• crucial
• important
• primordial
• key
• primeval
• primitive
• uncomplicated
• preparatory
• crude
• rude

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advanced
• complex
• sophisticated
• extensive
• detailed
• complicated
• higher
• intricate
• elaborate
• high
• evolved
• developed
• convoluted
• refined

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

1

as in axiom

Related Words

• axiom
• maxim
• rule
• precept
• regulation
• principle
• law
• code
• statute
• constitution
• value
• act
• directory
• ground rule
• ordinance
• instruction
• direction
• commandment
• reg
• decree
• bylaw
• directive
• decalogue
• restriction
• fiat
• moral
• order
• practice
• command
• tradition
• prohibition
• edict
• dictate
• manners
• formula
• standard
• interdiction
• guide
• guideline
• blueprint
• custom
• ban
• mores
• charge
• behest
• habit
• convention
• proscription
• way
• canon

2

as in essence

Related Words

• essence
• problem
• core
• main
• issue
• consideration
• basis
• substance
• crux
• essential
• sum
• heart
• burden
• gist
• nucleus
• staple
• body
• bulk
• purpose
• pivot
• generality
• kernel
• mass
• net
• idea
• marrow
• purport
• centerpiece
• nub
• pith
• quick
• keynote
• count
• grist
• nubbin
• point
• essentiality
• argument
• debate
• subject matter
• question
• bottom
• matter
• subject
• topic
• motive
• content
• theme
• affair
• talking point
• motif

Dissimilar Words

• aside
• tangent
• digression
• excursion
• parenthesis
• interjection

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

Recent Examples of fundamental

Adjective

This argument ignores a fundamental methodological fact: National surveys transitioned from DSM-IV to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, a change long known to inflate prevalence estimates. —Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

Trump’s hardline approach to undocumented immigrants suffers from a fundamental mismatch between costs and benefits. —Ronald Brownstein, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2026

For corporate boards, the shift signals something more fundamental: governance is increasingly being interpreted not just by people, but by machines. —Jane Sadowsky, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026

But the fundamental grievances animating protesters haven’t gone away. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026