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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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 And packing no GoTo computer requires at least a rudimentary knowledge of the night sky and a star atlas or planetarium software. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 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
  • But their primitive way of living reveals itself to rather more devastating effect when their third child is born, and Inger commits an act of unthinkable desperation.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The feathers were partially adapted for diving, yet retained primitive, fuzzy down typical of non-avian dinosaurs.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • The group said that the mine — an informal site that employs unregulated workers — lacked basic safety and protective measures.
    — Yasir Abdallah, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The onsite role should be limited to basic physical tasks while the technical work is handled remotely.
    — Susan Odle, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The teachers need to be certified in elementary education, fluent in Spanish and certified to teach students who speak other languages, Jackson said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Those numbers are slightly higher than the year before at the middle and elementary levels, but lower at the high school level.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • The schedule did the introductory work — because the players weren’t actively talking about the schedule.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Green Bay’s sketchy offensive-line availability and talent could open the door for Turner and the rest of the defensive line to make an introductory statement.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • The anxieties surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias and the fundamental shift in how students learn are valid and require serious, thoughtful attention.
    — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But there’s a fundamental abstraction to the theater that allows plays to get away with things that a movie like Prima Facie, which works so hard to place its action in a tangible world, doesn’t.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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