nonessential 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
Definition of nonessentialnext
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end money's tight, so we'll have to skip nonessential purchases

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonessential

2 of 2

noun

as in extravagance

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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 nonessential
Adjective
Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder said restrictions on nonessential water use may be necessary. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026 While the rest of the building is expected to reopen Saturday, the Grand Foyer will remain closed to visitors and nonessential personnel through the weekend, the outlet reported. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonessential
  1. unnecessary
  2. extravagance
  3. extra
  4. superfluity
  5. luxury
  6. indulgence
Adjective
  • Finally, there was Gilman’s unnecessary roughness penalty on top of a 22-yard pass that reset the tone of the game and helped enable Denver to cut it to 24-21.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Bears were helped on the ensuing kickoff by Seahawks defensive lineman Mike Morris’ unnecessary roughness penalty, setting them up at their 44-yard line.
    — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • Suddenly, another velvet bow seems entirely reasonable, the mantel could use a little more greenery, and an elaborate miniature Christmas village feels less like an extravagance and more like a necessity.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The dedication and imagination and sheer extravagance of the cosplayers provides the city with a constant rolling panorama of personalities.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • The Black Friday promotion brings the K70's price down to US$699, with a US$600 saving and complimentary promotional extras.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Criterion Collection version of the film recently launched, and comes with a bunch of extras in a gorgeous set.
    — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of extra
Noun
  • The gap between the two suggests a superfluity that has long dogged the business.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • So there was either a superfluity of honest Dublin women back in the day or a manager who moved around.
    — Anne Enright, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of superfluity
Noun
  • The backstory The Dusit brand is practically synonymous with luxury hospitality in Thailand, having first opened its doors in Bangkok back in 1970.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The cocktail-making station and mini bar stocked with luxury chocolates and Viennese wafers adds to the fun.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • There will be little shortage of traditional yacht-world indulgence, from a sprawling beach club and spa to helicopter transfers and a 230-foot shadow vessel laden with toys.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The approach encourages people to make nutritious food choices about 80% of the time while allowing flexibility for indulgences the remaining 20%.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of indulgence

Browse Nearby Words

nonerotic
nonessential
nonessentials
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Cite this Entry

“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonessential. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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