1
as in primitive
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development
rudimentary shelters built by prehistoric peoples
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of rudimentary
Their earliest and biggest target has been Dax, a 32-year-old janitor-turned-rapper from Canada who spits overwrought motivational lyrics over rudimentary beats.
—
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
Then in 1968, a rudimentary plan for subways in five different corridors including under Wilshire also was rejected.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 May 2026
The builders demonstrated a rudimentary understanding of engineering, deliberately placing each bone to exploit its natural geometry.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
So, informal recyclers often use rudimentary methods that can release lead particles into the air, soil and water.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
Then in 1968, a rudimentary plan for subways in five different corridors including under Wilshire also was rejected.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 May 2026
The builders demonstrated a rudimentary understanding of engineering, deliberately placing each bone to exploit its natural geometry.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
So, informal recyclers often use rudimentary methods that can release lead particles into the air, soil and water.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
Adjective
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The primitive crops were critical to early agriculture and, in more recent times, have been a cheaper alternative to animal proteins.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
18 May 2026
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However, several primitive campsites, boat ramps, and fishing piers sprinkled across the area give plenty of access to enjoy the lake at your leisure.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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This simple decision loop repeats continuously, allowing the system to operate autonomously using only basic obstacle detection and directional comparison.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
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Michael Negrón, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former White House economic adviser under President Joe Biden, says inflation tends to disproportionately hit the Latino community because a large share of their income goes toward basic necessities.—
Maria Santana,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Learn about the hobby and this Chicago Park District program’s STEM offerings for elementary students.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Last month, an Orange County school district became the first to implement a ban on e-bikes for elementary and middle schoolers.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Prepaid carriers already offer great introductory rates, but adding a double-digit discount makes this an unbeatable trial window for anyone testing out a new network.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
19 May 2026
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Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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For customers and investors this might mean a lot more opportunities to build generation-defining companies without facing fundamental limits to scaling.—
Martin Casado,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
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Actions have consequences; breaking laws deserves punishment, and undermining elections is a fundamental threat to a democratic society.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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