basic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbā-sik How to pronounce basic (audio)
Definition of basicnext
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

2 of 2

noun

as in essential

Related Words

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
Samad used Marks & Spencer as an example of how Bangladesh has moved beyond basic apparel. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 The latest Urban Institute survey on family well-being and basic needs highlights a critical shift in consumer behavior. — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 29 July 2026
Noun
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 Affordable doesn't have to mean Amazon basic, and this set is my proof. — Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for basic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basic
  1. rudimentary
  2. essential
  3. elementary
  4. must
  5. introductory
  6. requirement
  7. fundamental
Adjective
  • Fauci repeated his statement, answering none of the rudimentary questions.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Something as rudimentary as remembering the play calls as training camp got underway, was also top of mind.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Noun
  • From gauzy skirts to flowy maxi dresses and linen pants, these are the perfect fashion essentials to round out your wardrobe.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • While many families have already made big-picture cuts like canceling streaming subscriptions or shopping around for auto insurance, the daily, recurring cost of household essentials often feels unavoidable.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • But now the Orange County School Board is poised to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from elementary and middle school campuses and allow them only at high schools, and only if the student has a driver’s license.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • Iranian media reported that body fragments of 32 victims of a bombing on an Iranian elementary girls' school nearly five months ago, identified after DNA tests, were laid to rest Wednesday.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Noun
  • Visiting this elegant waterfront restaurant, participating in Spice for the first time, is a must.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • This seven-floor fashion amusement park has quickly established itself as a must-visit staple.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of must
Adjective
  • Snail Mucin When K-beauty broke into the US market in 2016, snail mucin was the introductory ingredient that got everyone hooked.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Predictably, Brees faced immediate questions about that shoulder at his introductory news conference for the Saints.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Noun
  • There’s a new AI graduation requirement at Purdue University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, the models will gracefully absorb more complex requirements.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of requirement
Adjective
  • Through the mid-1980s, Wolfram continued this work, discovering a number of fundamental connections between computation and nature, and inventing such concepts as computational irreducibility.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Bringing in overseas talent into New Zealand to boost local artists numbers has been fundamental to our approach ever since.
    — Geoffrey Bunting, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

bashings
basic
basically
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Cite this Entry

“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basic. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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