as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
he writes very spare prose, with nary an inessential word to be found
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Recent Examples of inessential
While Lamont points with pride to the large surpluses achieved during his tenure, critics say these weren’t inessential funds but rather were leeched from core programs that have been dangerously undermined.
—
Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
When photography went digital, photo lab technicians and manual retouchers were suddenly as inessential as medieval scribes.
—Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2025
The remaining seven undisputed songs, including forgettable Akon and Lenny Kravitz collaborations, make for a slight and inessential collection.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inessential
Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
When photography went digital, photo lab technicians and manual retouchers were suddenly as inessential as medieval scribes.
—Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2025
The remaining seven undisputed songs, including forgettable Akon and Lenny Kravitz collaborations, make for a slight and inessential collection.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inessential
unnecessary
Adjective
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An ultra-thin stiletto heel is the perfect counterpoint to the thickness of the platform, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that elongates the legs without adding unnecessary bulk.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cleaning Out Your Closet All Year The key to continually getting rid of unnecessary clutter in your closet is by placing a big donation box (or duffle, or trash bag) inside your closet for easy access at the start of each year or season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inessential. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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