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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 harem pants have two deep pockets and a stretchy waistband, which is essential because there’s nothing worse than the feeling of tight, restrictive pants. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025 Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Noun
Go on down the list, which includes everything from essentials like housing and groceries to financial goals like investing and debt payments to extras like your daily latte and assign each a number until your whole paycheck is used up. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 15 May 2025 Now, the essentials of what hip-hop needs to be recognized for — the people behind the scenes and behind the music and networking of hip-hop — are being drowned out by the drama of hip-hop. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
  • Constant vigilance is necessary because drownings can happen within minutes, and young children especially can wander off or duck out of sight quickly.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • This might mean caps on unlimited PTO during certain times of year, or that advance approval is necessary.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group known for public records litigation often aimed at uncovering information about Democratic officials and administrations, said it is increasingly being forced to fight in court just to access basic records.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • In addition to abortions, Planned Parenthood clinics offer birth control, pregnancy testing, STD testing, and basic gynecological services.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, according to Dr. Culbreath, jeans are integral to this style of professional dress.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 7 May 2025
  • As technology continues to define business opportunities, there are basic needs that are integral to every development.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70 $17 $15 at Amazon Facial sunscreens are a must in Florida, especially to prevent sun damage and premature aging.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 8 May 2025
  • For many couples who navigate this territory successfully, more frequent and more honest communication is a must.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, illiquid investments pose valuation challenges for required distributions and limit exit opportunities.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The organization turned the house into a public museum and oversees its design preservation and all required maintenance to ensure the landmark will last for generations to come.
    Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Children’s Language Skills Young children whose language skills are rudimentary with tenses often confused are inexperienced reporters of what may have happened to them.
    Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Previous rudimentary systems to communicate with these animals involved a large dolphin-nose-sized keyboard mounted to the side of the boat back in the 1990s.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But Next Time? The fast-moving conflict between India and Pakistan last week demonstrated the inherent dangers of the modern nuclear age. 7h agoBy W.J. Hennigan TODAYS FRONT PAGES Edition: INYT - Page Two Harvard Law Paid $27 for a Copy of Magna Carta.
    Ben Hubbard Saumya Khandelwal Matthew DeFeo W.J. Hennigan, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • This description captures both the ambition and the inherent tension in this evolution.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • In court documents, Alford’s attorney, Marc Ermine, asked for a seven-month sentence with a requirement that Alford participate in alcohol treatment, saying his client has had alcohol abuse issues for decades.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • However, some analysts also credited other factors, such as eliminating minimum parking requirements.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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