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

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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
But Craig Eiland of the Texas Trial Lawyers’ Association, who testified in opposition to the bill, argued that the law would force plaintiffs to leave out essential information. —Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 If cooperation with the U.S. declines, greater autonomy will be essential to secure strategic and economic benefits from space. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
Best Amazon Home and Kitchen Deals Amazon's home department is filled with deals on patio furniture, soft towels, storage bags, and more essentials. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Another convenient hack for decreasing airport stress is to wear all of your must-have essentials on your person, rather than stashing them in your backpack or carry-on. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 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
  • These companies feel like necessary building blocks of modern existence.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.
    — Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.
    — Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • This number continues to increase every day, making social media a non-negotiable, integral part of any successful business strategy for companies who want to capture public attention and enter their markets fast.
    — Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Consider one condiment that is becoming increasingly integral to American cuisine: chili crisp.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of integral
Noun
  • Safety glasses are a must, and hearing protection is essential when working with loud equipment.
    — Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But if Mom can’t stand the thought of leaving the house without her hair in place, this beauty buy is a must.
    — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of must
Adjective
  • The Friends of Bear Creek Stables are tasked with asking for quotes for required coverage before making that decision.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • According to the death review investigation, the facility conducted the required well-being checks on the resident every 30 minutes from 9:53 p.m. Oct. 18 through 2:13 a.m. Oct. 19.
    — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Instead of making something miraculous out of rudimentary materials, Government Cheese has a pantry of fine ingredients but never puts together anything palatable.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This enables the system to plan novel action sequences to achieve specified goals—a rudimentary form of reasoning and planning.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • These rare, unmediated exchanges between everyday Chinese and Americans appeared to reflect the simple pleasures inherent to internet culture—cute kids, cats, and comedy.
    — Mark Tseng-Putterman / Made by History, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The diversity of approaches—from China's emphasis on computational speed to Google's focus on error correction and Microsoft's topological architecture—reflects different strategies for overcoming quantum computing's inherent challenges.
    — Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of inherent
Noun
  • Marrying Business Impact With Economics While the industry has witnessed a proliferation of smaller, specialized AI models, significant AI chip innovation remains essential to deliver the performance requirements for supporting advanced reasoning and multimodal models.
    — Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Similar requirements in the past have driven producer countries to strengthen and clarify protections against deforestation.
    — Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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