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
Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world.
—Time Pr, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Kristen Geil, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
For more of my favorite plastic-free kitchen essentials, keep reading.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world.
—Time Pr, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
Without any fanfare, REI has marked down many of Arc’teryx’s cold weather essentials down by as much as 50 percent.
—Kristen Geil, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
For more of my favorite plastic-free kitchen essentials, keep reading.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Klobuchar plans to make a public announcement in the coming days, according to a person close to the senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity and described the filing as a preliminary step necessary for any candidate considering a run.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In the case of a major snowstorm, such as one this weekend projected to be the biggest Maryland has seen in a decade, AAA urges people to stay home and avoid the road unless absolutely necessary.—
Luke Parker,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At that point, the operator would recite the most intimate details of a patient’s health history to hook her before launching into a few basic screening questions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Ross argued that allowing local police to provide basic crowd control — rather than restricting coordination — could have reduced risks during recent confrontations.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The central role of the smart factory During this period of technological advancement, Smart Factory systems are increasingly integral.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
For the past dozen years Satterfield has also been an integral part of the jazz trio Interplay, which includes Bell and pianist Dave Mackay.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Keeping clean and precise transaction records to protect themselves is a must, as the Department of Justice and Customs and Border Protection have been tasked with cracking down on any attempts at tariff evasion.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Jan. 2026
-
For a neighborhood favorite, Loretta’s Pralines on Rampart Street is a must.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Bulletin has made thoughtful decisions each year on how to get people’s attention about existential threats and the required action, Eryn MacDonald, senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Global Security Program, told CNN in 2022.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Early warning is rudimentary and community liaison mechanisms are flimsy.—
Obi Anyadike,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The federal student loan program lacks even rudimentary safeguards common in the private sector.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The risks inherent in the LBO structure are exacerbated by the amount of debt PSKY must incur, its current financial position and future prospects, as well as the lengthy period to close the transaction – which PSKY itself estimates to be 12-18 months following signing.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Seen through this lens, every person possesses inherent dignity and value.—
James O. Cunningham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Failed units must be remediated or tenants relocated within 30 days, as well as the establishment of a complaint hotline for 24/7 reporting and the requirement of a landlord response within five business days.—
JAMES HERRERA MONTEREY HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But under the bill, land-use changes outside the Urban Development Boundary would require a simple majority vote, which is the current requirement for changes inside the boundary.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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