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nonessential
adjective
non·es·sen·tial
ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl
1
: not essential
2
: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity to satisfy dietary needs
nonessential fatty acids
see also nonessential amino acid compare essential sense 2b
nonessential
noun
Synonyms
Examples of nonessential in a Sentence
All nonessential personnel had to be laid off.
Please avoid all nonessential uses of water.
Recent Examples on the Web
Making small talk, waffling about nonessential details, and going over things that have already been covered are a few of the terrible uses of time spent having one-to-one or group calls.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
All nonessential tools and on both spacecraft are also offline by now, including a few heaters.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024
Arkansas taxes diapers at 6.5%, classifying diapers as nonessential or a luxury, Phillips said.
—Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 27 Sep. 2024
Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for nonessential home heating.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for nonessential
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Word History
First Known Use
1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing nonessential
Dictionary Entries Near nonessential
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
nonessential
adjective
non·es·sen·tial
ˌnän-i-ˈsen-chəl
: not necessary or essential
nonessential
noun
Medical Definition
nonessential
adjective
non·es·sen·tial
-i-ˈsen-chəl
: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity for normal health and growth
a nonessential fatty acid
compare essential
More from Merriam-Webster on nonessential
Nglish: Translation of nonessential for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of nonessential for Arabic Speakers
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