fundamentally

adverb

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ly ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce fundamentally (audio)
Synonyms of fundamentallynext
: with regard to what is basic, essential, or fundamental : at a fundamental level
a fundamentally honest person
a fundamentally new/different approach
Most theories of the internal structure of Venus begin with the assumption that the planet is fundamentally similar to the earth …Andrew and Louise Young
: in a basic or fundamental manner
This "disposable" work force is the most important trend in business today, and it is fundamentally changing the relationship between Americans and their jobs.Janice Castro

Examples of fundamentally in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But there’s a fundamentally American sensibility that unites its subjects — all eccentric, stubborn individuals whose belief in property as a sacred right has led them into conflict with someone equally convinced of their own entitlement. Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Once elected, a judge’s role is fundamentally different from that of a legislator or advocate. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 The result, attorneys said, is that the character of who gets detained has fundamentally changed. Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 Feb. 2026 Caterpillar, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, is still fundamentally a cyclical business that rises and falls with the global economy. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fundamentally

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundamentally was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamentally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundamentally. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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