rudimentary

adjective

ˌrü-də-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce rudimentary (audio)
Definition of rudimentarynext
1
as in primitive
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development rudimentary shelters built by prehistoric peoples

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2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject had only a rudimentary knowledge of science

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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 rudimentary The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Together, the findings in chimpanzees and bonobos suggest a rudimentary form of syntax, the rules that govern word order in human language and give it flexibility and creativity. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 But the filmic quality of the album lies less in any conventionally cinematic progression and more in Rossetto’s ability to imbue even the most rudimentary sounds with vivid detail and perspective. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026 Stalled by the pandemic, the festival’s inaugural edition took place in Jeddah’s Al-Balad old city neighborhood in 2021 with a make-shift cinema, rudimentary industry hub and a smattering of A-list guests and has since grown into one of the biggest film festivals in the Middle East. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rudimentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rudimentary
  1. primitive
  2. basic
  3. elementary
  4. introductory
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • SpudCell is still primitive, most closely resembling a bacterium.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 July 2026
  • While primitive in appearance, the arms kept the device relatively secure on my neck.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • From bold color contrast to sheer layering and retro prints, caftans can be styled far beyond a basic beach coverup.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The lawsuit comes as consumers report struggling to afford basic necessities.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Biblical texts on the list include a picture-book adaptation of the David and Goliath story for elementary students and passages about Adam and Eve for older students.
    — Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The Heat is expected to hold Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference on July 16.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Meantime, earnings forecasts have soared, largely but not exclusively on the back of the AI-equipment bottleneck, providing plenty of fundamental cover for the tape.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • All of these detention facilities have in common a fundamental disregard for our health and well-being.
    — Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Definition of fundamental

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Cite this Entry

“Rudimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rudimentary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rudimentary

Nglish: Translation of rudimentary for Spanish Speakers

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