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
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
Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
That is where edge infrastructure becomes essential.
—Bruce Kornfeld, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Zoe is also a founding board member of Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides children in need with clothing, diapers and other essentials.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Factors taken into account included housing, groceries, transportation, and other essential living costs.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
That is where edge infrastructure becomes essential.
—Bruce Kornfeld, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Keep reading for more Quince packing essentials from $40.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Zoe is also a founding board member of Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides children in need with clothing, diapers and other essentials.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
Is Executive Order 14224 even necessary?—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An integral part of the mentorship, Dillane said, was how designers could make their careers viable.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon will be integral parts of the rotation along with rookie Cade Horton, but Cease's addition would bolster the rotation.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, a tote that can hold a laptop is a must in our book these days for working on the go.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Tents Create Atmosphere, Not Just Shelter Tents are a must for outdoor parties, but not for the reason most think.—
Amanda Lauren,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Hurdles have included problems obtaining required permits from the city council, complaints from residents about noise and light pollution, reports of workers’ rights not being respected by local authorities, and suppliers going bankrupt.—
Pol Ballus,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Beyond reading the college’s brochures and website, Selingo encourages prospective students to ask current students how helpful the career offices are, what their advisors are like and how accessible required courses are.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even if partners don’t agree on every single detail pertaining to religion or politics, most healthy couples nevertheless share a rudimentary worldview.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Set in 1994 and kitted out with plenty of period-appropriate details, the film’s setting allows for all sorts of mystery (and one, quite funny, rudimentary internet search).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In other words, there’s a preference for growth companies with more inherent risk.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
But what about the algorithm's inherent biases?—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then, in January 2025, the government introduced a Social Media Bill that placed further requirements on social media platforms.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Over the years, the government's reporting requirements have changed, which makes historical comparisons a little tricky.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share