base 1 of 3

as in to ground
to find a basis she based her argument on careful research

Synonyms & Similar Words

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base

2 of 3

noun

1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations the army base is three miles down the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

base

3 of 3

adjective

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
Researchers tested seven particles as potential atmospheric aerosols and ranked their suitability based on their heat absorption, reactivity and reflectivity. Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024 Erin Strout is a journalist and author based in Flagstaff, Arizona, who writes about health, fitness, and Olympic sports. Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
In a Dutch oven, heat the oil, butter, bouillon base, garlic powder, chile flakes, basil and oregano over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until quite fragrant. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024 With a vibrant year-round calendar of cultural events and activities, Dubai is not just a great oasis to sail to but also an ideal location for extended stays and a highly desirable base for business operations. Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Firstly, the frequencies are listed as 4.7 GHz for the base frequency and 5.2 GHz for the peak boost frequency. Antony Leather, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 For the second quarter, FANG paid a base cash dividend of 90 cents per share and a variable dividend of $1.44 per share. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for base 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for base
Verb
  • Schools and public transportation in the city were suspended until further notice, and authorities grounded flights at both Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport as well as at the popular beach resort at Varadero through Thursday.
    Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Fixed-wing aircraft were grounded by high winds; helicopters were requested for firefighting efforts.
    Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This is why Russia, China and India are all expanding their number of bases, while Turkey, Saudi Arabia and even Iran are looking to secure a foothold on the continent.
    The Week UK, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024
  • During the debates, Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.) pushed to include the admission of temporary workers on an annual basis.
    Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made by History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The killing is the 72nd homicide investigated by Oakland police this year, and the first since Sept. 28 when a 32-year-old man suffered fatal gunshot wounds at a homeless camp in the 600 block of 29th Street in West Oakland.
    Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Border Patrol picks up a group of asylum-seekers from an aid camp at the U.S.-Mexico border near Sasabe, Ariz., on March 13.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • European Wax Center continues to focus on maintaining its brand position and ensuring consistent service delivery across its network of centers.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The Lakers were already down several bodies in their frontcourt, with Christian Wood (offseason left knee surgery) and Jarred Vanderbilt (offseason feet surgery) sidelined, leaving two-way center Christian Koloko as the only available big man behind Davis.
    Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The Galaxy and Revolution were both at the bottom of the league table when Arena took over.
    Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • An American World War II warship that played a key role in Allied campaigns in the Pacific has been discovered at the bottom of the Indian Ocean more than 80 years after it was sunk.
    Patrick Smith, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Flash forward 92-plus years to Donald Trump’s rally Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a bleak, lurid festival of racist hate and profane vituperation so vile that even fellow Republicans, who have turned a blind eye to Trump’s character for years, are distancing themselves from the event.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The mass protests, vile sound bites, revolving door to his administration, and constant threats of violence and war have been exhausting.
    Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • For years, car safety experts and everyday drivers have bemoaned the loss of the humble button.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Along with your keepsakes, bring a humble and curious mindset.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This is all predicated on Achane's role in the offense, along with Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa being back as the starter.
    Matt Modi, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The settlement talks are predicated on a deal that would give Elliott less than full board control, said the people, who asked not to be named because the negotiations are confidential.
    Rohan Goswami,Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near base

Cite this Entry

“Base.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/base. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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