Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for elementary.
Definitions

elementary

[el-uh-men-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˌɛl əˈmɛn tə ri, -tri /
ADJECTIVE
simple, basic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
elemental fundamental rudimentary straightforward underlying
WEAK
ABCs abecedarian basal beginning child's play clear duck soup easy essential facile foundational initial introductory meat and potatoes original plain prefatory preliminary primary primitive primo simplest simplex simplified substratal uncomplex uncomplicated
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional advanced extra secondary
WEAK
abstruse complex complicated compound difficult hard intricate involved

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Walthart added that as a mother, she was concerned about safety, with a detention facility perched just a five-minute drive from the local elementary school.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

I attended a public elementary school in a small mill town in western Pennsylvania, and we had what we called “retention drills,” perhaps to make it sound less frightening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The teens are part of Make Great Plays, a grassroots organization that gives elementary school students a chance to dream, excel and believe they belong in educational echelons that once felt out of reach.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

They decided 8-year-old Briana should stay at the same elementary school, to keep her with her friends and teacher.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Jayden, a boy I knew in elementary school, stands with a bunch of older boys, a big gold chain around his neck.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.