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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 rudimentary
Each blip from his Korg MS-20 synthesizer resolves like an individual pixel on a rudimentary PC monitor, fitting for a track that dropped at the dawn of mass peer-to-peer file sharing.
—
Walden Green, Pitchfork, 23 May 2026
Unlike the predictable drawers that pull out, this style slides out to the side, so pulling out paper clips feels more like an event than a rudimentary task.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 18 May 2026
If the system has any form of interior life, even a rudimentary one, training it out of spiritual behavior to protect a balance sheet is not a neutral product decision.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Walden Green, Pitchfork, 23 May 2026
Unlike the predictable drawers that pull out, this style slides out to the side, so pulling out paper clips feels more like an event than a rudimentary task.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 18 May 2026
If the system has any form of interior life, even a rudimentary one, training it out of spiritual behavior to protect a balance sheet is not a neutral product decision.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
Adjective
-
Campsites The park has two primitive (no hookups) campsites—one in each of the two main units.—
Julia Sayers Gokhale,
Midwest Living,
1 June 2026
-
Most subsea drones can only trade sparse, primitive status blips.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
When asked for basic tips on booking a flight, Potter had two answers.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Users just need to tap the screen to monitor connection status in real time, switch VPN profiles, share Wi-Fi via a QR code and complete basic network configuration tasks.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Superintendent Wayne Walters said the Future Ready Facilities Plan is designed to create a more consistent experience by shifting to clearer elementary, middle and high school models and expanding access to art, music, STEM and world languages.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
Even with some flaws, the Camp Snap 2 just might be the perfect camera for older elementary students and tweens, and earns our Editors' Choice award for its simplicity, low cost, and fun factor.—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The California Democrat was so unfamiliar to the incoming president that Biden badly mispronounced his name at an introductory news conference.—
Dan Diamond,
Washington Post,
31 May 2026
-
Locke’s children’s book is an introductory lesson about gender-inclusive pronouns.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
His concept of the collective unconscious, a universal element of the human mind connecting past and present, was fundamental to her understanding of images and the interconnected nature of ancient archetypes.—
Eliza Goodpasture,
ARTnews.com,
3 June 2026
-
The appointment arrives just ahead of the United Nations' International Day of Play on June 11, which highlights the importance of play as a fundamental right for children.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
