as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
even if you're not planning on becoming a scientist, you should have an elemental knowledge of chemistry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 elemental
For example, the ratio of iron to magnesium in the sun resembles that of Earth and Mars, leading scientists to believe that some elemental ratios in stars reflect that of their planets.
—
Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
The nine-course degustation is the way to go, with simple, elemental plates like lamb that’s slow-cooked for 24 hours, cured mackerel with a salad of lupini beans, and fish from the market in Nazaré with mushroom stew and a foie gras emulsion.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
His insatiable appetite for worlds comes out of an elemental necessity to ingest fertile planets for sustenance and to maintain balance in the cosmos, forever on the prowl in his world ship, the Taa II.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
The song’s tender emotional resonance speaks to the feeling of loss on a nearly elemental level.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
The nine-course degustation is the way to go, with simple, elemental plates like lamb that’s slow-cooked for 24 hours, cured mackerel with a salad of lupini beans, and fish from the market in Nazaré with mushroom stew and a foie gras emulsion.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
His insatiable appetite for worlds comes out of an elemental necessity to ingest fertile planets for sustenance and to maintain balance in the cosmos, forever on the prowl in his world ship, the Taa II.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
Adjective
-
The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
-
At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.—
Marilú Almaguer,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Go Nuts For Reading program encourages elementary and middle school students to participate in an eight-book reading challenge at the beginning of the year, leading to free game tickets and a visit from the squirrel mascots, Nutzy and Nutasha.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Authorities said the two juveniles were elementary and middle school age, Alaska’s News Source reported.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead of making something miraculous out of rudimentary materials, Government Cheese has a pantry of fine ingredients but never puts together anything palatable.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Apr. 2025
-
This enables the system to plan novel action sequences to achieve specified goals—a rudimentary form of reasoning and planning.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The introductory model features an Iceco fridge, Dometic Go water storage and faucet system with removable inset sink basin, cutting board worktop, and dual-burner Cook Partner gas stove that fits atop the drawer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Four years ago, Robin Thurston, a new owner of Outside, hosted an introductory meeting with the staff of the magazine.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Now the data revolution is reimagining one of the game’s most fundamental tools: the bat.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Trump has 'fundamental misunderstanding': Expert Some economists and international trade experts told ABC News that the president's controversial trade policy could actually discourage firms from setting up factories on American soil.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share