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
  • Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • 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
  • In elementary classrooms, engagement may include collaborative projects involving discussion and problem solving, writing, or small-group lessons.
    — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 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
  • Jones and Feliciano won their introductory press conference Monday, creating a level of engagement and connection that topped even the public introductions of Moores and Lucchino in 1995 and the Seidler-Ron Fowler group in 2012.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • WYouth magazine’s Ava Nirui, a friend of the designer, conducted the in-book interview with Liang, and actress and close friend Greta Lee penned the introductory letter.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Ultimately, keeping firearms securely locked and unloaded away from kids and unauthorized individuals is a fundamental part of responsible gun ownership.
    — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Russian businesses face fundamental economic challenges as the costly war drags on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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