fundamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce fundamental (audio)
Definition of fundamentalnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject the purpose of the course is to furnish students with fundamental knowledge of human reproduction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

1
as in axiom

Related Words
2
as in essence

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Dissimilar Words

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
Adjective
This is what economists frequently call an agency problem, a fundamental misalignment between duty and personal incentive. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 The idea of narcoterrorism, which suggests that seemingly distinct agents are working together to promote the suppression of fundamental rights, has become an obsession of the right and the far right. —Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026 The ability to imagine things that aren't real — to make believe — is a fundamental part of being human. —Nathan Rott, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026 Shine described that stance as a fundamental red line for Israel. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
  1. basic
  2. axiom
  3. essence
  4. rudimentary
  5. maxim
  6. problem
  7. elementary
  8. rule
Adjective
  • Second, our basic law includes some rights--like the right to bear arms--phrased more strongly than the federal constitution.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Vast's 2027 mission will follow that same basic pattern, according to NASA.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Definition of basic
Noun
  • The axiom about first getting one’s own house in order before pointing to the fault of others is appropriate here.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • But even that axiom doesn’t always hold.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is an amalgam of Hollywood archetypes, the essence of a big-screen hero boiled down and maybe left on the stove too long.
    — Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Each pad is soaked in a calming essence built around the brand’s proprietary Artemisia-Cica blend—a K-beauty-favorite pairing of artemisia (mugwort) and Centella asiatica.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of essence
Adjective
  • First signs of rudimentary Valentine notes began appearing much later, in the 1500s, according to Britannica.
    — Kate Perez, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The first is risk detection, which can be solved with more rudimentary machine learning.
    — Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • Still, that leaves a substantial audience who will find much to enjoy in this grisly yet sensitive take on the old maxim that every baby is different.
    — Catherine Bray, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The United States is currently living out the first half of that maxim.
    — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • This is a particular problem for Task-Ambience air conditioning (TAAC) systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
  • As a three-term Mecklenburg County commissioner, my daily concern is delivering common-sense solutions to our problems as efficiently as possible to keep the tax rate low.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of problem
Adjective
  • The House Common Education Committee unanimously passed House Bill 4358 that would allow no more than one hour of screen time each school day for elementary students.
    — Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Yazmin Ramirez brought her three children, who are in elementary or middle school, with no sewing experience to the class.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • Nanos claimed Cross campaigned against him while wearing his Pima County Sheriff's uniform in breach of department rules, which Cross denied.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Congress can add rules for federal races.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of rule

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fundament
fundamental
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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fundamental

Nglish: Translation of fundamental for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fundamental

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