essential 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
Definition of essentialnext
1
as in necessary
impossible to do without a well-stocked public library is essential for the well-being of a community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject anyone with an essential knowledge of human biology can follow the documentary

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in integral
being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an unquenchable belief in the essential goodness of most people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

essential

2 of 2

noun

1
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in principles
essentials plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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an essential role
a necessary role
a crucial role
an imperative role
a vital role
an integral role
essential information
critical information
fundamental information
useful information
primary information
precious information
an essential element
a key element
a requisite element
a major element
a main element
an important element

Synonym Chooser

How is the word essential different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of essential are cardinal, fundamental, and vital. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

When could cardinal be used to replace essential?

While in some cases nearly identical to essential, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When is fundamental a more appropriate choice than essential?

While the synonyms fundamental and essential are close in meaning, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When would vital be a good substitute for essential?

The words vital and essential are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

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 essential
Adjective
And likewise, emergency radio alerts proved essential during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025 The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 July 2025
Noun
The hands-free style has just enough room to safely store essentials, while also giving you tons of freedom to move, which is convenient for traveling, working out, and busy days on the go. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Our list includes plenty of beauty deals and luxe skincare, too, including makeup essentials and travel-sized kits to stock up on before your next vacation. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
  1. necessary
  2. basic
  3. integral
  4. must
  5. required
  6. rudimentary
  7. inherent
  8. requirement
Adjective
  • You’re told that suffering is normal and a necessary part of success.
    — Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
  • How much rehearsal was necessary for the three children to deliver the complex Don DeLillo text, and for Moon to prepare for her long opening monologue?
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • But unlike the basic Shahed which relies entirely on satellite navigation, the MS001 can identify objects on the ground using its thermal imager and AI and attack them.
    — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The state's health insurance plans offer premium, classic and basic Health Advantage plans to state and public school employees and non-Medicare eligible retirees.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Monsters may scurry around 'Alien: Earth,' but Noah Hawley suggests the really terrifying characters might be human beings Hawley says preserving the sheer horror of the original films was integral to his project, and as viewers will see, the Xenomorph eventually gets some creepy friends.
    — Marco della Cava, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The Island Experience Venice Immersive’s physical setting is integral to its appeal.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Definition of integral
Noun
  • So a quick scan of the room and flipping a couple switches to make sure things are working is a must.
    — Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Since her daughter loves pink, incorporating the color was a must.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Definition of must
Adjective
  • One Dallas restaurant failed, six required reinspection and three had roaches or rodent droppings in the most recent round of city health inspections, according to the inspection reports.
    — Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
  • No required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification from the company was viewable on the state’s Labor and Economic Opportunity website as of the morning of Wednesday, July 23.
    — Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Sometimes the eyes are indifferent, mechanical, assessing the body as rudimentary meat.
    — Akwaeke Emezi August 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Some are fairly rudimentary – while others are extremely sophisticated and skilled.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Unifi’s anti-odor technologies are inherent to the yarn and continuously block bacteria (likely found in armpits and feet) from growing on the fabric for what Unifi considers the product’s lifetime: 50 launderings.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The next Commissioner must not only manage the difficult responsibilities inherent to the role, but also restore public trust, defend the agency against political interference, and accelerate critical modernization efforts across all programs.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Definition of inherent
Noun
  • Lowering the 30% equity requirement, however, might take longer unless the world runs out of decabillionaires who want teams.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • His lawsuit claims that if fully developed, the area could require as many as 450 parking spaces under the parking minimum requirements the city repealed in 2021 Management for JB Vang couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday.
    — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025
Definition of requirement

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essences
essential
essentialities
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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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