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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Charlotte water restrictions are successfully curbing nonessential water use amid an ongoing drought. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 The city manager ordered taverns, theaters, and nonessential retail and service businesses to close for the duration of the shortage and set up public water stations in neighborhoods that had completely lost service. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 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 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
  • Even with an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth, Shelley made his reps count, making five tackles and breaking up a deep pass from Rams quarterback Ty Simpson intended for Tyler Scott.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That is true, but making costly and unnecessary wars harder to start belongs in the credit column, not the debit one.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • Plus, this figure is the minimum needed—not counting any extra life extravagances like the annual family holiday, private school, or a bigger home.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The two names below Fernandez, though, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Antony, are perhaps the biggest examples of Premier League transfer extravagance.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • In 2026, a single person in Hawaii needs to earn about $129,002 a year to cover necessities, spend on some extras, save for the future and pay taxes.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Every ingredient serves a purpose, helping pet parents focus on quality rather than unnecessary extras.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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
  • Enquiries for luxury Singapore properties from Chinese buyers also increased 35% in the first half from a year earlier, according to Juwai IQI.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Tates built an online empire by selling an image of extraordinary personal wealth through displays of sports cars, stacks of cash and luxury watches.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • The Thousand Oaks market, Erewhon’s 15th, features store-specific merchandise and an exclusive Amidst The Oaks smoothie, with proceeds supporting Manna Conejo Food Bank, underscoring the chain’s mix of indulgence and local philanthropy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Chains are using the same flexible format to serve different tastes and occasions, from energy to indulgence.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of indulgence

Browse Nearby Words

nonerotic
nonessential
nonessentials
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonessential. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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