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
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
And think of self-care as essential, not optional.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025
Denise Primbet, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025
Long-haul trips require something heavy-duty; a trunk, like the best-selling anodized aluminum one from Rimowa, will keep all your travel essentials secure for the duration of your trip.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Last year, Delivering Good launched Basic Comforts Packs, a collection of essential new items for individuals and families displaced by disaster.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
And think of self-care as essential, not optional.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
These shimmery products can be just as pigmented and radiant as powder formulas, while being incredibly easy to build and blend into the rest of your complexion essentials.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025
Long-haul trips require something heavy-duty; a trunk, like the best-selling anodized aluminum one from Rimowa, will keep all your travel essentials secure for the duration of your trip.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
After giving birth to her second child in April, the 32-year-old was determined to continue breastfeeding her son — a choice that was both personally important and financially necessary for her family.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The Federal Aviation Administration says the decision is necessary to keep travelers safe.—
Rio Yamat,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Training ground facilities are relatively basic compared to those of other Spanish top-flight clubs.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Ideally, clinical trials will be paired with basic research to help scientists answer the many questions this discovery has raised.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The 37-year-old veteran winger joined the Panthers at the trade deadline last season after spending his entire career to that point with the Boston Bruins and became an integral player in Florida repeating as Stanley Cup champions.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Growing for decades on the Russ family’s upstate property, the grand tree has been an integral part of the family’s milestones, but the longtime New Yorkers can’t wait to share its joy with the world.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Late hours are a must, bathroom graffiti helps and there should be a fairly high ratio of cheap beer to, well, pretty much everything else.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Elliott, a native Southerner, said sweet tea is a must for her menu, too.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This summer, Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission passed regulations that designated some sections fly-only and required anglers to pinch their barbs.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Chamber argues that the fee was imposed without congressional approval or required rulemaking, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But back in the time of Galileo, the phenomena of electricity and magnetism were only understood in the most rudimentary of fashions; by the 19th century, they had been investigated much more thoroughly.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The Prelude’s rear seat is so rudimentary, Honda didn’t even provide a photo of it.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The sophisticated sound work was not yet part of broadcast radio’s lingua franca, but my generation of producers were at least exposed to some of the possibilities inherent in the form.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Rhodes spoke about the inherent difficulty of finding a true work-life balance.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But food hubs also have high startup and operational costs, challenges with maintaining a consistent supply and demand and recruiting skilled leadership and staff, and navigating organizational, regulatory and food safety requirements, Perez said.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Testing reveals an average power exceeding 200 kW in optimal steady-state conditions, surpassing the energy requirements for heavy-duty vehicles.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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