nonessential

non·es·sen·tial

adj \ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl\

Definition of NONESSENTIAL

1

: not essential

2

: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity to satisfy dietary needs <nonessential amino acids> — compare essential 2b

— nonessential noun

Examples of NONESSENTIAL

1. All nonessential personnel had to be laid off.
2. Please avoid all nonessential uses of water.

First Known Use of NONESSENTIAL

1751

Related to NONESSENTIAL

Synonyms: dispensable, gratuitous, inessential, needless, unnecessary, uncalled-for, unessential, unwarranted

Antonyms: essential, indispensable, necessary, needed, needful, required

Related Words: discretionary, elective, optional; extra, extraneous, irrelative, irrelevant, redundant, superfluous

Near Antonyms: all-important, crucial, important, vital; imperative, pressing, urgent

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Rhymes with NONESSENTIAL

differential, inessential, influential