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Definitions

fundamental

[fuhn-duh-men-tl] / ˌfʌn dəˈmɛn tl /
ADJECTIVE
basic, important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
central constitutional crucial elemental elementary essential indispensable integral intrinsic major necessary paramount principal radical significant structural theoretical underlying vital
STRONG
bottom cardinal first key organic original primary prime primitive requisite supporting
WEAK
axiological axiomatic basal bottom-line constitutive foundational grassroots meat-and-potatoes primordial rudimentary substratal substrative sustaining underived
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accessory auxiliary extrinsic inessential insignificant learned least lesser minor needless nonessential secondary trivial unimportant unnecessary
WEAK
additional advanced extra subordinate
NOUN
basic, essential part
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bottom line component cornerstone element factor foundation law principle
STRONG
ABCs axiom basis constituent guts heart nitty-gritty rudiment rule theorem
WEAK
brass tacks coal-and-ice principium rock bottom sine qua non
Antonyms
STRONG
cowardice fear
WEAK
addition auxiliary extra subordinate trivia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a fundamental difference to the way Beijing approaches quantum, Jefferies analysts pointed out.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

By clarifying how memory works in quantum systems, the study sheds new light on a fundamental aspect of quantum dynamics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

While the European effort marks a fundamental reversal in thinking, realizing the ambition will be difficult.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added: "I'm determined to make the fundamental changes needed to keep the public safe."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The longest wave that fits it is called the fundamental.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Vocabulary lists containing fundamental

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

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Mahatma Gandhi's "Quit India" Speech

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Vocabulary from "Community is the 'killer app' missing from virtual reality" by Dmitri Williams

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