BASE Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'base' contrast with its synonyms?

The words low and vile are common synonyms of base . While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness. // base motives

Q: When is 'low' a more appropriate choice than 'base'?

The meanings of low and base largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety. // refused to listen to such low talk

Q: Where would 'vile' be a reasonable alternative to 'base'?

In some situations, the words vile and base are roughly equivalent. However, vile , the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth. // a vile remark

base 1 of 3

verb

Definition of base next

as in to ground

to find a basis she based her argument on careful research

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base

2 of 3

noun

ˈbās

as in basis

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests the firm belief that complete trust between partners is the base of any successful marriage

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as in camp

a place from which an advance (as for military operations) is made the army's base of attack was kept top secret until the battle began

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as in center

a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest the base of the industry is California's Silicon Valley

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as in bottom

the lowest part, place, or point the base of the mountain extends over a huge area make sure the base of the stove rests evenly on the floor

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as in headquarters

the place from which a commander runs operations the army base is three miles down the road

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base

3 of 3

adjective

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a base and sneaky act that is a clear violation of international law

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as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness their base obedience to every unprincipled action ordered by their leader

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective base contrast with its synonyms?

The words low and vile are common synonyms of base. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than base?

The meanings of low and base largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

Where would vile be a reasonable alternative to base?

In some situations, the words vile and base are roughly equivalent. However, vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

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 base

Verb

Bilas agreed with Johnson’s characterization of UCLA, Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke and Kansas as no-brainers, but added UConn as a top-five school based on the Huskies’ recent run that has had six championships since 1999 and back-to-back titles the last two seasons under coach Danny Hurley. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 Gower Street Analytics, based in London, is more bullish in predicting that 2024 domestic revenue will reach $8.8 billion in 2024 and $21.7 billion at the international box office for a global total of $30.5, down notably from $34 billion in 2023. —

Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024

Noun

With so many notes to round out a vanilla base, the key to choosing the perfect perfume is actually staring back at you in the mirror—you! —

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 At the building’s base is a large amphitheater, open around-the-clock and big enough to seat 800 people for a range of events (including the daily spectacle of the sun rising over the sea and nearby Zhifu Island). —

Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

So what are the base ingredients of today’s fine-dining experience? —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2024 The 59-year-old, signed through Feb. 28, 2028, is set to make a base salary of $200,000 annually with additional compensation of $1.3 million in Year 1, $1.8 million in Year 2 and $2.3 million in Year 3. —

Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for base

Recent Examples of Synonyms for base

Verb

Eight helicopters with over 19,000 flight hours are, as of now, permanently grounded.

Craig Hooper, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
In response, Whitaker grounded similar models and required Boeing to submit a comprehensive plan to address manufacturing and quality control issues.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024