rudimentary

adjective

ˌrü-də-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce rudimentary (audio)
Definition of rudimentarynext
1
as in primitive
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development rudimentary shelters built by prehistoric peoples

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2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject had only a rudimentary knowledge of science

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rudimentary The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 Measuring token use provides a rudimentary way to assess AI adoption, but connecting consumption to value can be more challenging. — Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Despite the flood of criticism and memes, some viewers didn't mind the rudimentary production. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
  1. primitive
  2. basic
  3. elementary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • Prince figured out how to make primitive-sounding electronics feel human.
    — Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • They’re rooted in a time and place that feels all too real, and this allows the monsters to parade their primitive might in a way that means something.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • But the pueblo blanco of Casares makes a good day trip, though meals are on the basic side in the town’s restaurants and cafes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Saint followed her sister to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in elementary education.
    — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Could younger athletes attend an introductory session before formal evaluation?
    — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • But still, this felt different — as Gray himself noted in his moving introductory remarks, reflecting on growing up a few miles away from the Upper West Side.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • The 2026 Nobel Prize for Chemistry has been awarded to Henri Kagan of the Universite Paris-Sud, in France, and Kenso Soai of the Tokyo University of Science, in Japan, for their work exploring the fundamental geometry of molecules.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Unless there's a dramatic fundamental change in the dynamic, Democrats are on pace to capture the Senate and House majorities in November.
    — Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of fundamental

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rudimental
rudimentary
rudiments
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Cite this Entry

“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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