Synonyms of essential

essential 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

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

• necessary
• required
• integral
• needed
• needful
• vital
• critical
• imperative
• crucial
• important
• must-have
• indispensable
• requisite
• all-important
• mandatory
• basic
• compulsory
• prerequisite
• of the essence
• key
• fundamental
• major
• necessitous
• meaningful
• urgent
• obligatory
• organic
• momentous
• central
• substantial
• significant
• persistent
• insistent
• pressing
• consequential
• material
• nonelective
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unnecessary
• needless
• nonessential
• unwanted
• dispensable
• unimportant
• unessential
• inessential
• undesired
• insignificant
• unneeded
• extra
• external
• excess
• superfluous
• inconsequential
• extraneous
• surplus

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

• basic
• rudimentary
• elementary
• introductory
• fundamental
• underlying
• elemental
• beginning
• basal
• simple
• rudimental
• crucial
• important
• meat-and-potatoes
• primary
• preliminary
• abecedarian
• prime
• key
• primal
• uncomplicated
• primordial
• preparatory
• primitive
• primeval
• crude
• rude

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advanced
• complex
• sophisticated
• extensive
• detailed
• complicated
• higher
• intricate
• elaborate
• high
• evolved
• developed
• refined
• convoluted

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

• integral
• inherent
• intrinsic
• constitutional
• fundamental
• natural
• indigenous
• constitutive
• innate
• hereditary
• basic
• inner
• inherited
• immanent
• native
• ingrained
• distinctive
• elemental
• inborn
• characteristic
• inbred
• internal
• built-in
• hardwired
• congenital
• ingrain
• in one's blood
• peculiar
• interior
• deep-rooted
• typical
• normal
• regular
• habitual
• inmost
• inveterate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extraneous
• foreign
• extrinsic
• adventitious
• alien
• incidental
• accidental
• surface
• coincidental
• external
• superficial
• acquired
• exterior
• adscititious

essential

2 of 2

noun

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

• must
• requirement
• necessity
• necessary
• must-have
• need
• requisite
• needful
• demand
• condition
• prerequisite
• sine qua non
• precondition
• advantage
• plus
• wish
• desideratum
• edge
• desideration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extra
• surplus
• nonessential
• luxury
• comfort
• indulgence
• nonnecessity
• extravagance
• surplusage
• amenity
• superfluity
• frill

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

• principles
• elements
• grammar
• philosophy
• fundamentals
• basics
• rudiments
• law
• foundation
• alphabet
• basis
• rule
• doctrine
• ABC(s)
• cornerstone
• keystone
• underpinning
• groundwork
• bedrock
• belief
• tenet
• axiom
• nitty-gritty
• precept
• dogma
• standard
• theorem
• canon
• faith

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• details
• trivia

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

Recent Examples of essential

Adjective

When essential services like maternity, emergency or behavioral health care become unprofitable, private systems may reduce or discontinue them. —Shane Strum, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

That is the case at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where 95 percent of the employees are considered essential. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2026

Noun

This leather MagSafe wallet and phone stand from Quince keeps essentials literally attached to your phone, so your cards are always within reach. —Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026

Ahead, Zara’s spring essentials. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026