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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Leucovorin is a metabolite of folate, which is essential for healthy pregnancies and is recommended for women before conception and during pregnancy.
—Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
These towels are ultra-thin, sand-free microfiber essentials that shake clean instantly, dry three times faster than cotton, and fold down lightweight and compact for the ultimate travel-ready getaway.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
For travelers who treat beach days like a full-day affair, a spacious carryall becomes essential.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Leucovorin is a metabolite of folate, which is essential for healthy pregnancies and is recommended for women before conception and during pregnancy.
—Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
At Texas Diaper Bank, Bachran is seeing a supply gap in multigenerational households for the basic essentials the organization steps in to provide, which include baby diapers, wipes, incontinence supplies, and menstrual products.
—Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
These towels are ultra-thin, sand-free microfiber essentials that shake clean instantly, dry three times faster than cotton, and fold down lightweight and compact for the ultimate travel-ready getaway.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Judge Paul Friedman appeared skeptical of government claims that the policy is necessary for national security.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The skill became especially necessary after Minnesota renovated its roster just before training camp, replacing Towns in the starting lineup with Julius Randle.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When first delivered, Valkyrie could walk on flat surfaces and perform basic actions, such as grasping and manipulating objects.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Americans may underestimate the value of a guide partly because guiding isn’t integral to our culture.—
Sergei Poljak,
Outside,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Carlson, who played an integral part of the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup win and is a former Norris Trophy runner-up for the NHL’s top defenseman, should bring a veteran presence to a young Ducks team that is on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.—
Los Angeles Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Safety glasses are a must, and hearing protection is essential when working with loud equipment.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
-
And of course, coffee is a must at Hemma Hemma.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The required restitution is a total of $258,563, with $233,164 of that to Ulta Beauty and the rest to the city of Royal Oak.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
One quote the Reios received for the required Burial Site Investigation came to $319,000, according to the CBC.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The federal government also funded more than a hundred thousand programs across the country and, relying on rudimentary punch-card computers, kept track of everything going on everywhere and made that information available all over.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The cognitive processes behind adaptation Far from being rudimentary, the study investigated the neural mechanics behind these visual representations, suggesting the presence of abstract thought—a crucial step in the evolution of human thinking.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s an inherent troublemaking nature to him that can’t be repressed by the big Disney musical.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
-
On top of this, the inherent illiquidity of real estate can complicate everything from governance to generational transitions.—
Belinda G. Schwartz,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Peters was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count each of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failure to comply with the requirements of the secretary of state.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Artificial intelligence systems do not possess human intelligence and therefore should not be granted rights or protections reserved for people, as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a case challenging the requirement that copyrightable works must have human authorship.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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