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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

as in axiom

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of fundamental

Adjective

Today everyone, every single sector in society, is responsible for those those fundamental values. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 Although the year leading up to our wedding had altered our relationship, fissured it with cracks, the fundamental form remained — lovely in a different way, and more interesting. —

Devon Fredericksen, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Noun

The specifics of the scheme could vary depending on the roster, but the fundamentals will remain the same. —

Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025 The defense struggled with fundamentals and forcing takeaways, areas Covington himself highlighted during midseason press conferences. —

Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fundamental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fundamental

Adjective

The emotional crisis of confidence: Trust has been eroded—not just in leaders, but even in basic systems and emergency services, like an assurance that your local fire hydrant will work.

— John Hope Bryant, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
This period, a decade after the end of the Korean War, is often depicted—by my parents’ generation, who were children at the time, and later in books, film, and TV—as one of hunger and hardship, of basic survival.

— E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025