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 Gradually, the notion of trading PowerPoint slides and Excel spreadsheets for something more elemental became intoxicating. — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026 Electron microscopy and elemental analysis revealed that the iron-containing molecules were dispersed across the carbon at atomic and molecular scales rather than forming larger particles. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026 Many pigments available to ancient Egyptian artists have elemental markers detectable by X-ray fluorescence imaging. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 Devising constitutions, or fundamental laws, is so elemental to human society that the collective noun might be a constitution of humans. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elemental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elemental
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. rudimentary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
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
  • My Arabic, French, and Berber language skills are also rudimentary.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For a while, Crystal Lake hews closely to the very rudimentary mythology introduced in Sean Cunningham’s original movie.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
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
  • 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

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 27 Oct. 2026.

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