essential
adjective
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Definition of essential
(Entry 1 of 2)
essential
nounDefinition of essential (Entry 2 of 2)
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Other Words from essential
Adjective
, -ˈsen(t)-shə- \
adverb
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noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for essential
Synonyms: Adjective
all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary, necessitous, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital
Synonyms: Noun
condition, demand, must, must-have, necessary, necessity, need, needful, requirement, requisite, sine qua non
Antonyms: Adjective
dispensable, inessential, needless, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded
Antonyms: Noun
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Examples of essential in a Sentence
Adjective
As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential. Free speech is an essential right of citizenship. The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much. There's no essential difference between the two products.Noun
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Friday will highlight a constituency that will be essential to her prospects and other contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020: black women. — Joshua Jamerson, WSJ, "Black Women Voters Emerge as Top Target in 2020 Democratic Race," 24 Jan. 2019 At a time when women are constantly on the go, a classic tote is an essential in our wardrobes. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Ditch the Commuter Tote in Favor of These Chic, Functional Work Bags," 3 Feb. 2019 While decent sample sizes are essential in research that compares two groups on some measure (for instance, how well a drug works), the same problems don’t pop up in quite the same way in work like this. — Cathleen O'grady, Ars Technica, "Some clues about why male Guinea baboons fondle each other’s genitals," 18 Nov. 2018 And that first phone has proven essential in building the case. — Vinny Vella, Philly.com, "Threats, rage: Court filings reveal lovers' spat leading to Bucks slaying," 11 July 2018 Telehealth, using technology to consult a doctor virtually, could also become an increasingly essential tool. — Barbara Brody, Glamour, "The Ob-Gyn Shortage Is Real—And It Might Impact Your Care," 14 Nov. 2018 To up any luxurious yet efficient morning routine, there's Chanel's plush makeup brush set, tucked in a neat red leather case that offers six essential tools for everyday. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "11 Beauty Gifts for Mom That Guarantee Favorite Child Status," 9 Nov. 2018 My mental health journey hasn’t been easy, but the relief that came with finding a black therapist was essential. — Vanessa Willhoughby, Allure, "The Reality of Navigating the Mental Health System as a Black Woman," 13 Oct. 2018 For many, firearms exist solely as essential tools for culturally significant activities, like hunting. — Prince Shakur, Teen Vogue, "The Gun Show Loophole, Explained," 26 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The basic warm-weather wardrobe essentials should be at the top of your list—and, naturally, a transformative new swimsuit will be the foundation of your off-duty uniform. — Maria Ward, Vogue, "The Hot List: 15 Looks You Need for Your Next Beach Vacation," 13 Dec. 2018 Hostels responded accordingly—even using IKEA themselves; Lowy picked up most of the prints, tabletop and other essentials for his hostel at the Marketplace. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "How Hostels Became Poshtels: The Remaking of a Backpacker's Hangout," 12 Sep. 2018 On top of the essentials listed above, Oprea stocked her new at-home gym with specialty items that, though they aren’t required to get in a great workout, can add diversity to your routine. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Build a Budget-Friendly at-Home Gym With These Tips From Celebrity Trainer Erin Oprea," 18 Nov. 2018 Perks like access to a bike for sight-seeing, a bottle of wine, or even a beach bag full of sun essentials were appreciated. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Airbnb Plus Reveals the Amenities Travelers Really Care About," 28 Aug. 2018 The military would have to be deployed to ensure transportation of essentials. — Andrew Sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Did Trump Just Help Stop Brexit?," 13 July 2018 Breadth meaning, Prime Day deals will include everything from electronics and toys to everyday essentials and back to school supplies. — Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, "Are Amazon Prime Day sales a steal? We asked 4 pricing firms to find out," 10 July 2018 All of the essentials would be loaded on a truck and delivered to the site where community volunteers would build their park — barn-raising style. — Drew Harris, Philly.com, "Let's promote health and green space one empty lot at a time," 29 June 2018 Instacart users can add goods to their cart from Costco without a membership, permitting a whole new group of buyers to access its vast miscellany of groceries and everyday essentials, said spokeswoman Andrea Toch. — Hanna Krueger, NOLA.com, "Instacart launching in New Orleans, will deliver your groceries from Rouses, Costco," 8 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'essential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for essential
essential
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of essential
(Entry 1 of 2)
essential
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of essential (Entry 2 of 2)
See the full definition for essential in the English Language Learners Dictionary
essential
adjective
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Kids Definition of essential
(Entry 1 of 2)
essential
nounKids Definition of essential (Entry 2 of 2)
essential
adjective
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Medical Definition of essential
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