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noun

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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
These skills are essential for everyday tasks like making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations, according to Cleveland Clinic. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025 Research suggests proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy, brain function, and overall health. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Noun
The Pala Super Mart & Fuel Station will include a 12,000-square-foot retail area, which is three times the size of the existing Pala Mini Mart, and will sell fresh produce, dairy, pantry staples and household essentials, among other items. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Check out some popular home goods and essentials that are also at Amazon to help decorate and set up your tiny house, below. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
  • Eduardo Cavaliere, Rio’s vice mayor, said in an interview that the rules were necessary to impose some order to a sometimes chaotic scene.
    Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Of course the private sector can price assets correctly of its own accord, and if riskless securities are necessary for this purpose, the private sector can produce them.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The petals of flowers will change depending on how basic or acidic the soil is.
    Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • Then, just provide basic personal information to secure your new account with bet365.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The report cites that as of Feb. 13, the district had 47.5 special education teacher vacancies among other vacancies including school psychologists, school social workers and speech language pathologists, all of whom are integral to special education services for students.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • The reports come as the success of Tesla's robotaxi division may be increasingly integral to the future of the company.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Pasta salad is always a must at the potluck, and this one has been around for a very long time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • Finally, and perhaps most obviously, in today’s office world, drinks and snacks are a must.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • But before the drama unfolds at Royal Portrush, PGA Tour pros are making sure to take that required break to rejuvenate their energy again.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The Campbell County Republican Committee in Kentucky has been vacated by the state party due to its failure to hold a required organizational meeting.
    Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • What began as rudimentary chatbots programmed to respond to queries based on keywords eventually evolved into GenAI.
    Vivek Ahuja, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • From behind the fence, at the white hut, a rudimentary but powerful loudhailer and speaker system is set up, from which a commentator fills every second of dead air with excitable exhortations to Allah combined with knowledgeable play-by-play analysis in machine-gun fast Arabic.
    Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The lawsuit claims the picnics are charitable expressive conduct and acts of peaceful assembly, and argues Tempe's permit requirements violate the advocates' First and 14th Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech and assembly, and ensure due process and equal protection under the law.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • The court found that the Legislature was violating the state constitution’s requirement that any laws pass both houses of the Legislature and be presented to the governor.
    Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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