BASIC Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

basic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbā-sik

Definition of basic

as in rudimentary

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject you'll need a basic knowledge of computers to get any sort of office work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

basic

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Example 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 basic

Adjective

Under Department of Homeland Security regulations, all immigrant detainees must receive a basic health screening within 12 hours of intake. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 That keeps drug repurposing grounded in the same basic challenges facing other areas of biotechnology. — Emma Clapp, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Noun

Shop for every area of your home and even stock up on cleaning basics while the deals are aplenty. — Emma Ashe, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 Shoppers can score breezy shorts, airy tanks, and swishy skirts alongside everyday basics like easy T-shirts and socks built for hot weather comfort. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for basic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basic

Adjective

Using rudimentary 3-D animation tools, the film looks janky, with sharp edges and bad editing.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Noun

Handle one visible fix, share one responsibility, or set up tomorrow’s essentials.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Banana Republic has wardrobe essentials up to 40% off, including knitwear, trousers, and a pair of buttery soft suede loafers—the ideal transitional shoes.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

The additional restrictions at these school districts come a few months after the school district and police department in Rocklin banned Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on elementary and middle school campuses.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of elementary

Noun

Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Downtown shopping is a must, Southern Living says, with a local bookstore and village shop.

— Eva Flowe August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of must

Adjective

When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
While Happy Head offers introductory costs at $36 for the topical solution and supplements, the prices increase substantially after the first month.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of introductory

Noun

Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Adjective

This will accelerate an arms race as each side fears losing its ability to retaliate, a fundamental requirement of nuclear stability.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
If operating as one team is the objective, the challenge extends beyond culture to the fundamental way success is defined and measured across the enterprise.

— Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

bashings

basic

basically

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“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of basic

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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