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 But sometimes the truth being sought or avoided is more abstract, more elemental. — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026 In astrology, oppositions expose tension between two elemental forces, often through external circumstances or confrontations that make conflicted feelings impossible to ignore. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Over on the raw, elemental east coast (one of Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2026)—or, as locals would say, behind God's back—there's been a rise in down-to-earth wellness retreats and farm-to-table eateries. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 No set of bonds is more deep-rooted, and the flux of those intimate connections, the fundamental passion energizing even the simplest interaction, imbue these wanderings with elemental power. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 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
  • The away end is the only section to pre-date Charlton’s seven-year absence and facilities in there are basic.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The research, published in Chem Circularity, explores a system based on calcium looping, a process that uses the same basic material—limestone—that is already central to cement manufacturing.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • According to the district, only 83% of elementary seats and 79% of middle school seats were filled during the 2024 to 2025 school year.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The district is also preparing to develop a new elementary-school literacy curriculum this school year, with the help of new state funding.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • And packing no GoTo computer requires at least a rudimentary knowledge of the night sky and a star atlas or planetarium software.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The narrator, purged of identifiers except for her yearning, her rational faculties, and her sense of unbelonging, is counterintuitively relatable—a portrait of rudimentary, universal humanity.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Berg was asked Tuesday in his introductory press conference about how his private equity experience might inform his role.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Some operations begin by offering a low-cost webinar or introductory course.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Huang said computing is undergoing its first fundamental technology-platform transition in roughly 60 years, shifting from a traditional model to one centered on artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental

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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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of elemental for Spanish Speakers

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