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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of essential
Najwa Aaraj,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Needs include essential expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and insurance.
—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Now through June 26, the brand is offering up to 90% off lightweight bedding from Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, and Kenneth Cole, as well as patio essentials and indoor furniture, including popular accent chairs and coffee tables.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Accuracy remains essential but accountability is now the harder problem.
—
Najwa Aaraj,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Needs include essential expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and insurance.
—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Noun
Everyday essentials were also strong sellers, the firm said.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Now through June 26, the brand is offering up to 90% off lightweight bedding from Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, and Kenneth Cole, as well as patio essentials and indoor furniture, including popular accent chairs and coffee tables.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Ashton's journey from moving bins to cleaning them demonstrates that a complete roadmap isn't necessary; curiosity and taking the next step are crucial.
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This week, investors are looking at the huge sums being spent and questioning whether AI can produce the profits and productivity necessary to make all the investment worth it.
Adjective
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But access to toilets, showers and basic supplies are limited.
-
The values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport.
Adjective
-
The other concept that has emerged has been privacy by design, which has become integral as things like smart doorbells, Alexa and other connected technology.
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This latest Apple at Play series focuses on the WSL Championship Tour and tells the story of how Apple technology has become an integral part of the competitive surfing experience.
Noun
-
Large drainage holes, however, are a must.
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One exception is modern glass houses, which maximize views and are a must for all oceanfront builds, old or new.
Noun
-
Investigators found that initial structural failure spread to other elements of the pool deck and street-level parking garage and caused cracks to grow over the span of a few weeks, eventually unseating the southern edge of the pool deck slab from its supporting wall, the report said.
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The consequence of all these elements of deconstruction and lightness is that there is no space to cut corners or hide imperfections.
Adjective
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Letters from lawmakers have gone unanswered and required reports unfiled.
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All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America.
Adjective
-
Many are rudimentary and low-stakes, but the meaningful ones are still buried within the total volume.
-
But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills.
Adjective
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But true soccer fans know the value inherent in a jersey, especially original ones.
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The best matching linen sets possess an inherent unfussy ease that allow you look composed yet unhurried.
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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