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
\
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
How to Wear 20 Slides A denim jacket is a wardrobe essential, regardless of season. — Glamour, "How to Wear a Denim Jacket This Spring," 2 Apr. 2019 Snoozing in Space As NASA, SpaceX and other groups plan for voyages to the moon and Mars, researchers are working to figure out the secret of an essential for life on any planet: a good night’s sleep. — Allure, "The 15 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin," 19 Mar. 2019 Our relationship is essential, doubled by a very real friendship and affection. — Jessica Iredale, Town & Country, "Virginie Viard, Karl Lagerfeld's Secret Weapon, Succeeds Him at Chanel," 19 Feb. 2019 Meanwhile, new collections of stories dedicated to a room or essential element of a home will offer stories from not only Handbook, but also the rest of Curbed’s offerings, such as shopping roundups and longform features. — Jenny Xie, Curbed, "Welcome to the new Curbed Handbook," 23 July 2018 Forget about jury duty State courts were shuttered last year as only cases that were deemed essential continued during the shutdown. — Max Cohen, Philly.com, "Worried about a potential New Jersey government shutdown? Here are eight ways you would be affected," 26 June 2018 The show's loss of its most essential elements makes the foursome's magic stand out even more in the early season PBS is airing this summer. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "Enjoy the delight of 'The Great British Baking Show' while you still can," 22 June 2018 Something that checks our boxes without reading like a grocery list, because directors Scanlon and Vince Marcello modernized the right aspects while still maintaining rom-coms’ essential elements. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "The Rom-Com Renaissance Is Here Thanks To Netflix," 22 June 2018 This is an essential element in the incentive plan and can be designed to lead to an ownership transfer to key employees. — Tom Cooney And Crystal Faulkner, Cincinnati.com, "Steps to ensure successful business ownership transfer to key employee," 20 June 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Here, Tran decodes her look, from the easygoing essentials that get her work-ready to her favorite flea markets across the globe. — Vogue, "An L.A. Jewelry Designer Decodes Her Easygoing Executive Style," 9 Apr. 2019 In order to figure out the essentials of the first-aid kit and which ones are worth paying for, Popular Mechanics spoke with Col. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "The 7 Best First Aid Kits For Any Situation," 26 July 2018 Since the launch of a pilot program in 2017, some high-school seniors in Helena with low ACT scores in math can now take an introductory college-level math class that reviews high-school concepts and incorporates essentials skills. — Lisa Ward, WSJ, "The Benefits of Starting College Early—in High School," 10 Feb. 2019 Watch the video above for some killer hair tips and shop Yepez's essentials. — Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "Go Inside Hairstylist Jennifer Yepez' Beauty Stash," 21 Dec. 2018 In any case, more options are opening up for shoppers who want the convenience of groceries and essentials delivered to their homes on the same day. — Dami Lee, The Verge, "Target’s Shipt same-day delivery service will expand to take on Amazon and Walmart," 18 Dec. 2018 With present ideas, gift wrapping essentials, classic decorations, and very merry kitchenwares—all in her signature rustic-chic style—your house and family will undoubtedly be the hit of the holiday party. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Joanna Gaines Just Dropped the Cutest Christmas Collection for Pets at Target," 4 Dec. 2018 For example, the sink is actually tucked around the corner to keep messy dishes out of sight; a large pantry holds essentials behind closed doors. — Samantha Weiss Hills, Curbed, "Embracing nature—and minimalism—in North Carolina," 26 Nov. 2018 In January 2017, Walmart began offering two-day shipping for online purchases over $35 on millions of frequently purchased items like household essentials. — Anne D'innocenzio, The Seattle Times, "Target offers two-day shipping with no minimums for holiday," 24 Oct. 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
\
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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