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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
Parents have the fundamental right to be involved in significant decisions affecting their child’s well-being, and schools should partner with families by ensuring open communication and transparency. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025 Only one team in the NL scored more runs (the Dodgers) than the Brewers managed with their fundamental approach. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 Palestinians are fully entitled to secure their fundamental right of self-determination, and all States remain obliged, more than ever, to assist them in their lawful & legitimate cause. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025 That means the boot camp — led by vocal coaches, renowned producers, fitness trainers and star choreographers — will go beyond the fundamental basics of singing and dancing by including mental health care, physical wellness, media training and global studies. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • Madden said his bargaining unit has reached some agreements with Kaiser over basic issues, but members are still pushing for the health system to maintain workers’ health care, retirement and pension benefits.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • For nearly two decades, the basic browsing experience, aside from a few minor improvements, remained largely unchanged.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The essence of impartial justice is treating like conduct alike—not identifying the target and then finding the crime.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The essence of Bessent’s bet is that, with US financial muscle behind him, Milei can win them.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The rudimentary device, likely made from firework explosives, was planted outside the front gate of Ranucci’s house in Campo Ascolano, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rome, the journalist told state broadcaster RAI on Friday.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The department, run by State Superintendent Jill Underly, relies on a rudimentary system to track its investigations, obscuring the scale of misconduct for policymakers and the public.
    Danielle DuClos, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 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
  • On Monday, of course, the problem wasn’t Durbin getting caught stealing.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Cascale’s Joël Mertens further outlined the problem.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to court documents, six elementary-aged students came forward with allegations against Riscovallez.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Grapevine-Colleyville school board president Shannon Braun said the district will close elementary campuses, but no decisions have been made on how many will be on the chopping block.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Anthropic updated the rule in July, allowing prospective hires to polish their resumes, cover letters, and applications with the advanced tech.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • But Takaichi stood out for her rhetoric, vowing to crack down on rule-breaking visitors and immigrants.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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