base 1 of 3

as in to ground
to find a basis she based her argument on careful research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

base

2 of 3

noun

1
2
as in camp
a place from which an advance (as for military operations) is made the army's base of attack was kept top secret until the battle began

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in bottom
the lowest part, place, or point the base of the mountain extends over a huge area make sure the base of the stove rests evenly on the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations the army base is three miles down the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

base

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective base contrast with its synonyms?

The words low and vile are common synonyms of base. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than base?

The meanings of low and base largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

Where would vile be a reasonable alternative to base?

In some situations, the words vile and base are roughly equivalent. However, vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

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 base
Verb
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025 Here are three dividend-paying stocks, highlighted by Wall Street’s top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Noun
The blue base is likely a fruit-forward sip layered with raspberry pearls resembling bursting fireworks. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025 Torrez was convicted of murder in the slaying of Amanda J. Snell in July 2009 at a Washington-area military base. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adjective
The pay package for Sarandos included a base salary of $3 million, unchanged from the prior year, as well as stock awards of $42.7 million, in addition to a $12 million bonus. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 Who needs incentive compensation with a base salary of $10.2 million? Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for base
Recent Examples of Synonyms for base
Verb
  • Around the stage, steam engines, museums and 19th-century storefronts grounded attendees in the capital’s history as White’s quartet took them on a journey through jazz.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
  • Judge’s league-leading 18th home run came after Trent Grisham grounded into a double play.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, it’s being discussed and measured in people’s bloodwork on a more widespread basis.
    Stacey Colino, Time, 22 May 2025
  • These human rights groups were nowhere to be seen when these terrorists were violating the human rights of millions of people on a daily basis.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Accommodations range from double-occupancy Mountain King and Bunk Rooms to connecting suites designed for families and groups, each with modern features such as workspaces, mini fridges, and wool camp blankets.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
  • Of course, that would require the player to waive his no-movement clause, and TSN’s Darren Dreger reported this week that Marner’s camp views it as an unlikely option unless a perfect scenario presents itself.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • While most campaigns historically focused on physical infrastructure, many now include less visible priorities: legal clinics, policy centers, and public interest litigation units.
    Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The spacious floor plan has a living room that’ll comfortably fit a couch, coffee table, entertainment center, and even a dining table for hosting.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Senzatela put the first three runners on base before getting an out in the bottom of the first.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
  • When Irvine’s offense worked another opportunity to score in the bottom of the eighth after Penso placed down a sacrifice bunt, Alonso Reyes hit into a 4-6-3 double play with the bases loaded to end the rally.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, the mint julep is a vile almost undrinkable beverage.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
  • Along with receiving vulgar comments in person and people taking her picture on campus, the 18-year-old has received vile and sexist messages after her phone number was posted online.
    David Chiu, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Improbably located right across the street from their humble abode is the upscale manse inhabited by the Falconers, a rich couple (Katherine Waterson, Chris Klein) who’ve raised only child Tiffany (Fina Strazza) to be a particularly stinging WASP.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • Each pits a young heroine of humble means against the formidable, possibly sinister lady of the estate; this time, that quintessential Nicole Kidman role is played by a serenely terrifying Julianne Moore.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • As the world approaches the horizon of AGI, it would be misguided to choose problems that are predicated on the assumption that the job of any particular person still exists.
    Ray Zhou, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The complaint pointed to O’Malley’s seven-minute interview with WPTF Morning News based in Raleigh, N.C. Most of the interview was predicated on O’Malley’s work at the independent agency.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Base.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/base. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on base

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!