Synonyms of nonessential

nonessential 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

as in unnecessary

not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end

money's tight, so we'll have to skip nonessential purchases

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unnecessary
• extra
• unessential
• inessential
• optional
• needless
• dispensable
• irrelevant
• redundant
• gratuitous
• unwarranted
• discretionary
• elective
• superfluous
• uncalled-for
• extraneous
• irrelative

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• necessary
• essential
• important
• required
• needed
• crucial
• vital
• indispensable
• needful
• urgent
• imperative
• all-important
• pressing

nonessential

2 of 2

noun

as in extravagance

Related Words

• extravagance
• extra
• superfluity
• luxury
• indulgence
• frill
• comfort
• amenity
• nicety
• option
• treat
• accessory
• dainty
• delicacy
• accoutrement
• bells and whistles

Dissimilar Words

• essential
• must
• requirement
• necessity
• fundamental
• basic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonessential

Adjective

Disable any software running on the computer that is nonessential and always close applications when you are finished using them. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

The agency currently has no active Level 4 travel health notices, but does warn against nonessential travel to parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to an outbreak of Ebola there. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026

Noun

Anything deemed nonessential would be put on hold, so Americans could experience delays with certain services and hundreds of thousands of federal workers will go without pay. — Caitlyn Kim, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025