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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
1
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
And think of self-care as essential, not optional.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025
Denise Primbet, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025
Long-haul trips require something heavy-duty; a trunk, like the best-selling anodized aluminum one from Rimowa, will keep all your travel essentials secure for the duration of your trip.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Last year, Delivering Good launched Basic Comforts Packs, a collection of essential new items for individuals and families displaced by disaster.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
And think of self-care as essential, not optional.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
These shimmery products can be just as pigmented and radiant as powder formulas, while being incredibly easy to build and blend into the rest of your complexion essentials.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025
Long-haul trips require something heavy-duty; a trunk, like the best-selling anodized aluminum one from Rimowa, will keep all your travel essentials secure for the duration of your trip.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
In both cases, Israel sought to justify its aggression as a necessary security measure to protect its southern communities.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Improvements in several fields are necessary to achieve this capacity.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Those wanting to stream the show live can do so with a Peacock premium subscription or stream new episodes the next day with a basic Peacock subscription.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The 37-year-old veteran winger joined the Panthers at the trade deadline last season after spending his entire career to that point with the Boston Bruins and became an integral player in Florida repeating as Stanley Cup champions.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Growing for decades on the Russ family’s upstate property, the grand tree has been an integral part of the family’s milestones, but the longtime New Yorkers can’t wait to share its joy with the world.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must, as is a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument to stand beneath towering, centuries-old redwoods.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
-
After shifting power to the people—like a year-plus bus boycott can do, for example—and getting the government to lessen its corruption, cruelty, injustice or violence, defending those gains is a must.—
Michael Shank,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This summer, Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission passed regulations that designated some sections fly-only and required anglers to pinch their barbs.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Chamber argues that the fee was imposed without congressional approval or required rulemaking, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The concept is similar to the rare cases of humans who are born with rudimentary tails, a trait that was seen in primate ancestors over 25 million years ago, according to Brian Hall, research professor emeritus in evolutionary cell biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
-
A lot of what is unwieldy about Down Cemetery Road stems from the source novel, which predates the Slough House series and showcases a writer with an exceptional gift for dialogue and characterization but a more nascent sense of rudimentary storytelling.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The sophisticated sound work was not yet part of broadcast radio’s lingua franca, but my generation of producers were at least exposed to some of the possibilities inherent in the form.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Rhodes spoke about the inherent difficulty of finding a true work-life balance.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Qualls will face regular work reporting requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, as well as the quarterly wage checks that Louisiana Medicaid already conducts.—
NPR,
NPR,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The chief appraiser then ensures each of the nominees are in good standing with the property tax code’s requirements.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share