BASAL Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

basal

adjective

ˈbā-səl

Definition of basal

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject many students lacked even a basal familiarity with the topic

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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 basal When blooming slows in the fall, cut back the whole plant to the new basal growth to keep it healthy for spring. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026 On the other hand, Silphium terebinthinaceum has basal foliage that stays close to the ground while its inflorescence is wildly airy. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026 Your eyes constantly produce a thin layer of basal tears to keep the cornea lubricated, and the duct quietly shuttles that trickle into the nose, where it’s absorbed or blended into normal nasal mucus without a trace. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 If dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia degenerate as happens in Parkinson’s disease, movements become harder to initiate and slower once they are commenced. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for basal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basal

Adjective

This is the basic technology that revolutionized US oil a decade ago, and made the country by far the world’s top producer.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The basic problem is that extremely similar lawsuits can be brought in courts in different jurisdictions, which aren’t bound by rulings in other jurisdictions.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Telra Institute, a public charter school in Charlotte, also ranked in the top 20 among local elementary and middle schools.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
In Spain, elementary and secondary schoolteachers began an indefinite strike in Madrid last week to demand better pay and working conditions.

— Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

The basic model of competitive markets which one finds in an introductory economics textbook—where independent firms engage in cold arm’s-length transactions motivated by unadulterated self-interest—does not apply to the industry.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
JetBlue is offering some introductory fares for BlueFirst seats for select flights, including a $299 flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a $249 option from New York to Fort Lauderdale and a $299 option from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.

— Maggie Roth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductory

Adjective

While economic forecasts frequently emphasize risk, underlying demand indicators point to a robust economic engine entering the fourth quarter.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
The system is built to produce deterministic outputs, trace the reasoning behind them, and apply the same underlying logic consistently across mortgage files.

— Ethan Stone, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of underlying

Adjective

For companies like Target, listening to employees is fundamental.

— Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Earnings growth projected to exceed a 20% year-over-year growth rate again this quarter can hardly be viewed as anything but a positive at least to bolster the fundamental case.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

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barters (for)

basal

base

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“Basal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of basal

adjective

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