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

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fundamental

2 of 2

noun

as in axiom

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essence

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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 of fundamental in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

However, the fundamental goal remains unchanged: to hook readers, pull them through a story and leave them satisfied at the end. —

Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 But Bailey is most worried about a more fundamental problem with the technique. —

Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Some caveats of any analyzing of this data include that the fundamentals of each election are different, and even breakdowns by party don’t automatically show how people voted, hiding the possibility of cross-party voting. —

Jared Gans, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024 Presidents also have little control over gas prices because they are primarily driven by global crude oil prices, which rely on the market fundamentals of supply and demand. —

Deena Zaidi, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fundamental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental

Adjective

Britain has the basic ingredients for a similar transformation.

Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 1 Nov. 2024
Broadly, Turkish cuisine celebrates restraint and richness–the sparkle of sumac, the quiet depth of pomegranate molasses, all lending depth to the most basic of ingredients.

Lela London, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Definition of basic

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“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fundamental. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 4 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of fundamental

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