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
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
In other words, the human element is essential.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Take my advice and invest in these travel essentials before your next trip.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
In this context, economic resilience is not just a development goal but the essential foundation of sustainable growth.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
In other words, the human element is essential.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
When essentials run out or are needed, Brown travels to Walmart in Silver City on the city’s south side.
—April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Take my advice and invest in these travel essentials before your next trip.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
The first three have helped shape a new-look defence, which had been identified as a necessary area of improvement since last summer.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
From breezy wide-leg pants to tailored joggers, these fashion finds will keep you comfy and put-together from day to night and throughout your travels—no iron necessary.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Interior trims range from basic to luxurious, but all feature easy to use controls, physical switches and dials for key functions and one of the auto industry’s best touch screens and infotainment systems.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
For foot passengers who don’t mind simple accommodation, fares for a basic cabin typically range from $35—$75 per person.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views are integral to a vibrant public square and human flourishing and in which religious people and institutions are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or hostility from the Government.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Stablecoins also serve as an integral part of AI adoption and expansion that has not yet been fully developed or discussed, even in the midst of wider interest and the advancement of various AI models; agentic AI.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Just like the Golden Bachelor, Maia loves sports, so finding someone athletic, fun and flirty is a must.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Hot chicken and cool treats When in Nashville, hot chicken is a must, even at the fair.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Critically, this approach achieves the required resolution without the enormous deployment complexity of a 20-meter circular primary or the operational overhead of a starshade.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Though coverage for Wegovy (semaglutide) is generally better than for Zepbound this year, 88% of people getting Wegovy through their insurer still face hurdles, including prior authorization and required protocols in which cheaper treatments must be tried first prior to gaining access.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Those humans who were good at it, even in its most rudimentary forms, would have a real advantage.—
Elissa Strauss,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
-
But most users do not yet have passkeys on their accounts and still rely on passwords, perhaps with some rudimentary form of 2FA.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This technology offers a proactive solution to counter espionage from foreign adversaries and fortify our national security by overcoming the inherent limitations of traditional systems.—
Michael Evanoff,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Committing to a romantic relationship comes with the inherent risk of potential heartbreak if things don’t work out, but doing so can also lead to a lifetime of meaningful companionship.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The course accepts recruits whose body fat is up to 8% higher or whose scores on the Army's aptitude test are as much as seven points lower than the requirement to become a soldier.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
-
There’s usually a physical requirement, as well as severely playing down the high-wattage glamor that got you on red carpets in the first place.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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