as in principles
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
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Recent Examples of essentials
Luckily, Quince has nailed the simple yet stylish vibe that rules the season, with hundreds of warm-weather essentials finally back in stock.
—
Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Stocking up on essentials can help streamline grocery trips, but buying certain foods in bulk can lead to food waste and potential food safety risks.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026
Lesslie has stripped down and streamlined Shakespeare’s play to the emotional essentials, while Karia brings a gritty, stylish modern look.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Not everything, just the essentials.
—Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Here, the benchmark is to spend a maximum of 50% of your income on essentials and financial obligations, like rent, and then 30% on wants, meaning discretionary spending.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
Not all basics are equal, as true essentials are defined by versatility, quality, and frequent wear.
—Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Pack essentials and prepare to leave if an order is issued.
—Kevin Sablan, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Low- and middle-income earners spend larger shares of their wealth on essentials including transportation, food, and housing, meaning their ability to spend in the economy gets squeezed faster when prices for the basics rise.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Stocking up on essentials can help streamline grocery trips, but buying certain foods in bulk can lead to food waste and potential food safety risks.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026
Lesslie has stripped down and streamlined Shakespeare’s play to the emotional essentials, while Karia brings a gritty, stylish modern look.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Not everything, just the essentials.
—Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Here, the benchmark is to spend a maximum of 50% of your income on essentials and financial obligations, like rent, and then 30% on wants, meaning discretionary spending.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
Not all basics are equal, as true essentials are defined by versatility, quality, and frequent wear.
—Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Pack essentials and prepare to leave if an order is issued.
—Kevin Sablan, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Low- and middle-income earners spend larger shares of their wealth on essentials including transportation, food, and housing, meaning their ability to spend in the economy gets squeezed faster when prices for the basics rise.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essentials
Noun
-
The whole journey of these chefs who have to escape, with a ticking clock and real danger, draws on elements that are common to cinema all over the world.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2026
-
A lot of the violence in Stranger Things is fantasy-type violence due to the sci-fi and supernatural elements.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Legal scholars hinge that false opinion on their false understanding of grammar.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
-
They will be edited for spelling, grammar and clarity.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essentials.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essentials. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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