elemental

adjective

ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce elemental (audio)
Definition of elementalnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject even if you're not planning on becoming a scientist, you should have an elemental knowledge of chemistry

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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 elemental Devising constitutions, or fundamental laws, is so elemental to human society that the collective noun might be a constitution of humans. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 And Quentin Collette’s turbulent soundscape — rumbling, clanking, with the unrelenting downpour stirring in elemental fury — mixes seamlessly with the tense synth riffs of French electronic composer Robin Coudert, known professionally as ROB. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 In the sixties, artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Peter Saul had plundered lowbrow visual culture for elemental materials. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 Today, most toilet paper is produced using elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching, which relies on chlorine dioxide instead of chlorine gas. — Jillian Pretzel, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. rudimentary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
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
  • 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

element
elemental
elementally
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Cite this Entry

“Elemental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elemental. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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