INDISPENSABLE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

indispensable

adjective

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of indispensable

as in essential

impossible to do without fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth

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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 indispensable While renewable energy is expanding quickly, coal remains indispensable in Asia. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 For decades, mayors from both political parties have recognized Israel as an indispensable partner to New York and have understood that supporting the Jewish state reflects the values and makeup of America’s largest city. — Herbert Block, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026 Public finance remains indispensable, particularly for communities and projects that cannot or should not generate commercial returns. — Marcene Mitchell, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026 But Doha had succeeded in establishing itself as an indispensable player in the region’s politics. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indispensable

Adjective

The brand believes that allowing attendees to see, touch and fully appreciate the craftsmanship, materials and details of the garments is essential to convey the full value of the collection.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
For community associations and other property owners, maintaining safe conditions to avoid injuries is essential to satisfying their duty and minimizing exposure to potentially severe financial and legal liabilities.

— Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of essential

Adjective

Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Officials said no other evacuations were necessary and public safety employees and emergency responders remained on duty.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of necessary

Adjective

As a French overseas territory and integral part of the European Union, the 436-square-mile island has traditionally relied heavily on exports to Europe, particularly rum and bananas, alongside tourism.

— Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Human oversight was integral throughout, both to validate the computational approach and to guide deeper qualitative analysis.

— Justin Chen, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of integral

Adjective

Many shelters are operated by nonprofit organizations but owned by the city or private entities, limiting the nonprofit’s ability to make needed improvements.

— Jeffrey Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Among the boundaries that have been breached, according to the new report, are carbon dioxide concentrations, which reached a record 426 parts per million (ppm) because fossil fuel burning had not decreased at nearly the needed pace.

— Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of needed

Adjective

Szarkowski makes a number of other vital points in the book, chief among them that photography as a phenomenon belongs not just to the artist but to anyone with vision.

— Hilton Als, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Such technology could one day prove to be vital if another potential Tunguska-type object were found to be on a collision course with Earth.

— Micah Hanks, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of vital

Browse Nearby Words

indiscriminating

indispensable

indisposed

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“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indispensable. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of indispensable

adjective

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