BASAL Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

basal

adjective

ˈbā-səl

Definition of basal

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject many students lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic

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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 basal When blooming slows in the fall, cut back the whole plant to the new basal growth to keep it healthy for spring. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026 On the other hand, Silphium terebinthinaceum has basal foliage that stays close to the ground while its inflorescence is wildly airy. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 Your eyes constantly produce a thin layer of basal tears to keep the cornea lubricated, and the duct quietly shuttles that trickle into the nose, where it’s absorbed or blended into normal nasal mucus without a trace. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 If dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia degenerate as happens in Parkinson’s disease, movements become harder to initiate and slower once they are commenced. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for basal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basal

Adjective

As is now the norm, basic cybersecurity would have prevented it.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
The Cowboys surrendered 419 total yards, blew basic run fits, and failed to force a single takeaway.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

For a while, Crystal Lake hews closely to the very rudimentary mythology introduced in Sean Cunningham’s original movie.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
The concern is that a small, rudimentary drone like this one could be weaponized with explosives and do serious damage to a large concert, sporting event, or campaign rally.

— Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Adjective

If interest rates are higher when that introductory period ends, your monthly payment and interest costs could rise significantly.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
OpenAI says Dot usage will temporarily not count against eligible users' plan allowances during the introductory period, with longer-term usage terms still to come.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductory

Adjective

How do cells with the same underlying molecular handedness produce bodies that can develop in opposite directions?

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
But the lesson of these recent developments is that, at some point, the US may have to look seriously at the underlying problem creating this mess in the first place.

— Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of underlying

Adjective

The fundamental difference that distinguishes this effective use of airpower lies in the objectives that the enemy was seeking to achieve.

— Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
But many investors remain optimistic in the stock market, as its resilience over the last four years reflects strong fundamental earnings amid the AI build-out — though picking the winners may get trickier.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

barters (for)

basal

base

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“Basal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of basal

adjective

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