FUNDAMENTAL Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fundamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl

Definition of fundamental next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

as in axiom

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

For Obsess — which has developed virtual stores from Ralph Lauren, L’Oréal, J.Crew, Alo Yoga, E.l.f. Cosmetics, Laneige, Charlotte Tilbury and others — this type of insight is a fundamental part of the platform. —

Adriana Lee, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024 This process, called photosynthesis, is fundamental to almost all life on Earth. —

Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

The hope is that, eventually, the conversation about Abbott Labs becomes squarely focused on its attractive fundamentals, which were on display last month in its third-quarter earnings report . —

Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Trump Media’s fundamentals remain very modest for a company that is still valued at about $6 billion. —

Matt Egan, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fundamental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental

Adjective

Many readers have told me my booklet has served as a valuable tool in teaching their children basic good manners.

Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
These basic tests, combined with age and medical history, are enough to make a clear diagnosis.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024