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
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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
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Robust and cushioned, with stretchy pleats true to Issey Miyake’s iconic Pleats Please design, the accessory is designed to snugly hold any model of iPhone (as well as small essentials like AirPods or a chapstick).
—Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 11 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
The structured yet flexible design fits all your daily essentials and looks elegant with casual or dressy outfits alike.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Robust and cushioned, with stretchy pleats true to Issey Miyake’s iconic Pleats Please design, the accessory is designed to snugly hold any model of iPhone (as well as small essentials like AirPods or a chapstick).
—Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
After giving birth to her second child in April, the 32-year-old was determined to continue breastfeeding her son — a choice that was both personally important and financially necessary for her family.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The Federal Aviation Administration says the decision is necessary to keep travelers safe.—
Rio Yamat,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Training ground facilities are relatively basic compared to those of other Spanish top-flight clubs.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Ideally, clinical trials will be paired with basic research to help scientists answer the many questions this discovery has raised.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Johnson, a 13-year NFL pro, is an integral cog in the Philadelphia offense.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
When disaster strikes, public school buildings are integral as safe havens in hundreds of predominantly Indigenous villages scattered across Alaska's vast landscape.—
Emily Schwing,
NPR,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Late hours are a must, bathroom graffiti helps and there should be a fairly high ratio of cheap beer to, well, pretty much everything else.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Elliott, a native Southerner, said sweet tea is a must for her menu, too.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 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
-
But back in the time of Galileo, the phenomena of electricity and magnetism were only understood in the most rudimentary of fashions; by the 19th century, they had been investigated much more thoroughly.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The Prelude’s rear seat is so rudimentary, Honda didn’t even provide a photo of it.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The intention of the multi-track is to remove the inherent misalignment of a product and its value chain from the traditional product creation calendar.—
Raj Dhiman,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
-
But Sauer argued that the doctrine doesn’t hold with regard to foreign affairs, where the President has some inherent constitutional authority.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But food hubs also have high startup and operational costs, challenges with maintaining a consistent supply and demand and recruiting skilled leadership and staff, and navigating organizational, regulatory and food safety requirements, Perez said.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Testing reveals an average power exceeding 200 kW in optimal steady-state conditions, surpassing the energy requirements for heavy-duty vehicles.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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