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
Najwa Aaraj,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Needs include essential expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and insurance.
—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Now through June 26, the brand is offering up to 90% off lightweight bedding from Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, and Kenneth Cole, as well as patio essentials and indoor furniture, including popular accent chairs and coffee tables.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Accuracy remains essential but accountability is now the harder problem.
—
Najwa Aaraj,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Needs include essential expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and insurance.
—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Noun
Everyday essentials were also strong sellers, the firm said.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Now through June 26, the brand is offering up to 90% off lightweight bedding from Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, and Kenneth Cole, as well as patio essentials and indoor furniture, including popular accent chairs and coffee tables.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
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She's seen these parents put off their own health, including necessary surgeries.
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Simple, age-appropriate conversations about device use could help children understand the difference between necessary engagement and recreation.
Adjective
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Riccobono said a few basic tips can help make those interactions as smooth as possible.
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Sentience is defined as the basic capacity to feel and to experience sensations.
Adjective
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Wilton Rancheria today Wilton Rancheria has become an integral part of the Sacramento region’s economy.
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All along the border, people move back and forth to shop, visit family members, or attend school, but for Tohono O’odham in the United States and Mexico, the ability to cross the border is integral to holding their community together.
Noun
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Large drainage holes, however, are a must.
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One exception is modern glass houses, which maximize views and are a must for all oceanfront builds, old or new.
Noun
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Investigators found that initial structural failure spread to other elements of the pool deck and street-level parking garage and caused cracks to grow over the span of a few weeks, eventually unseating the southern edge of the pool deck slab from its supporting wall, the report said.
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The consequence of all these elements of deconstruction and lightness is that there is no space to cut corners or hide imperfections.
Adjective
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Letters from lawmakers have gone unanswered and required reports unfiled.
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All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America.
Adjective
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Many are rudimentary and low-stakes, but the meaningful ones are still buried within the total volume.
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But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills.
Adjective
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True investment success hinges on identifying this crucial gap between what the market anticipates and what a company delivers, emphasizing that price discipline is paramount, regardless of a business's inherent quality.
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Crosby said the project is ahead of schedule despite challenges inherent in renovating a 200-year-old street.
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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