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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 essentials
Amazon’s summer fashion lineup includes breezy dresses, drawstring shorts, and moisture-wicking tops, along with trendy capris, comfy flip-flops, and other warm-weather essentials.
—
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Keep scrolling for tiny travel essentials that'll fit right in your personal item.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
The $100 billion-plus multichannel retailer operates more than 1,900 stores across the United States, offering a portfolio that spans apparel, home goods, beauty, essentials and food and beverage.
—Peter High, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
When housing becomes unaffordable, families are forced to cut back on essentials, move farther away from jobs and schools, or live with constant financial stress.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
But new research from the Brookings Institution released Wednesday describes affordability by comparing the rising costs of essentials against family incomes.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 28 May 2026
But higher prices on essentials like groceries and gas have squeezed shoppers’ discretionary budgets, pushing them to trade down to cheaper brands and cut back on less essential purchases.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Thousands of trucks loaded with food and other essentials, like oxygen supplies for hospitals, remain stranded on highways.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
But whereas Shein pursues radically low pricing, Everlane is a better-for-the-world brand that promoted radical pricing transparency and made its bid to be the go-to essentials brand in the early days of the direct-to-consumer rush.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Keep scrolling for tiny travel essentials that'll fit right in your personal item.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
The $100 billion-plus multichannel retailer operates more than 1,900 stores across the United States, offering a portfolio that spans apparel, home goods, beauty, essentials and food and beverage.
—Peter High, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
When housing becomes unaffordable, families are forced to cut back on essentials, move farther away from jobs and schools, or live with constant financial stress.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
But new research from the Brookings Institution released Wednesday describes affordability by comparing the rising costs of essentials against family incomes.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 28 May 2026
But higher prices on essentials like groceries and gas have squeezed shoppers’ discretionary budgets, pushing them to trade down to cheaper brands and cut back on less essential purchases.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Thousands of trucks loaded with food and other essentials, like oxygen supplies for hospitals, remain stranded on highways.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
But whereas Shein pursues radically low pricing, Everlane is a better-for-the-world brand that promoted radical pricing transparency and made its bid to be the go-to essentials brand in the early days of the direct-to-consumer rush.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essentials
Noun
-
Although the hotel is Japanese inspired, the Peninsula Tokyo incorporates many pan-Asian elements—gilt finishes, flower petal motifs on the carpets, and cherry wood panelling, to name a few.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The defining elements are elaborate parades, continuous samba dancing and vibrant costumes — every piece crafted by local samba schools that spend the entire year preparing.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Every grammar, secondary and tertiary school in the nation would do well to adopt the Chicago Principles.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
The musical’s not really about grammar.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essentials.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essentials. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
