RUDIMENTARY Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

rudimentary

adjective

ˌrü-də-ˈmen-tə-rē

Definition of rudimentary

as in primitive

belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development rudimentary shelters built by prehistoric peoples

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject had only a rudimentary knowledge of science

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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 rudimentary This sort of classification task is something that rudimentary AI, or machine learning systems, have handled for decades. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Even a rudimentary machine with these capabilities leads to the halting problem. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026 The series also features rare live footage of chimpanzees using rudimentary tools (twigs or branches) to fish for algae at the bottom of a pond (see top video). — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 Oct. 2026 That effectively turns the window unit into a rudimentary ground-source heat pump. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rudimentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary

Adjective

These primitive instincts are highly attuned to potential danger and are often triggered before our conscious mind registers that something isn’t right.

— Georgia Casey, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
When our skin senses heat, those signals travel to a primitive part of the brain that tells our body to cool down.

— Will Stone, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of primitive

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

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

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rudimental

rudimentary

rudiments

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“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rudimentary

adjective

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