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 Astronomers have long known that most elemental building block of life—carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, for example—are created by stars. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 Its light featured nearly no metal or elemental signatures apart from helium and hydrogen. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 2026 For any condition, aim for no more than 300 mg of elemental magnesium daily unless your doctor advises otherwise. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026 Lupita Nyong’o’s Face The Odyssey taps into an elemental anger that Nyong’o brings to exquisitely painful life in her dual roles as Helen and Clytemnestra. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. rudimentary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There’s nothing basic about this evening look from the Elie Saab H&M collaboration.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of basic
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
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
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
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

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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