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fundamental

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noun

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
Not abiding by the statute of limitations could also undermine a fundamental tenet of the criminal justice system, Clarke wrote. Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 28 May 2025 This future will overcome not just human biology but a fundamental rift between science and faith. John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
Noun
On Tuesday, Florida stuck to its fundamentals and turned in a dominant performance, even though Maurice pumped the breaks on just how well his team played despite the final score. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 Amazon nailed the fundamentals, took a big swing, and crushed it. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental
Adjective
  • Essentially aiming to be distraction-free communication devices in the most basic sense, these generally have black-and-white matte e-ink screens, good battery life, the ability to call and text, and a couple of standard apps.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • You will then be asked to provide basic personal information, like your name, age, current address, device location, etc.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • And so, with gold on a steep upward trajectory: The following chart reflects my thinking, based on these axioms: Tension is going to increase dramatically—even from current levels.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Palpatine returns Though his body may have been destroyed during the Battle of Endor, Palpatine survived in secret for years by transferring his essence to clone bodies.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Penny Hotel Williamsburg The intimate Penny Hotel, nestled in Williamsburg's core, perfectly captures the neighborhood's artistic essence.
    Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • And no, this doesn't mean turning the office into a place full of rudimentary and shallow perks.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • His projections were rudimentary by today’s standards, but at the time were ahead of the curve.
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The platform ran into problems Thursday, when nearly 6,000 users reported issues with X’s website and app.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The problems started shortly after 8 a.m. ET Saturday and within an hour, there were 11,871 reports logged.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The bill will prohibit cell-phone use throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools.
    News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • Thirty-two busloads of elementary students from Title 1 schools throughout San Diego County eagerly hopped off buses during the week of May 12-16 to enjoy an enriching, exciting, and totally fun Plant*Grow*Eat morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Farm.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Older people were hit the hardest socially by COVID rules that limited or barred visits from family and friends.
    Joshua Zatulskis, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • Eventually – inevitably – a recession will occur, but the huge 2022-2024 inversion will not have predicted it by the traditional rules of interpretation.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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