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
  • Everyday expenses leave little room for extra payments For many households, making larger debt payments isn't simply a matter of eliminating unnecessary purchases.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Cam Skattebo shared his thoughts on a controversial unnecessary roughness call against him in the New York Giants’ win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • In 20 years’ time, one of the extravagances in these pages may be as commonplace as the smartphone is now.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
  • When Vreeland’s extravagance proved too much for Condé Nast, she was let go, in 1971.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • From 2016 to 2025, Netflix partnered with more than 80 Korean production companies on shows employing upward of 20,000 actors and crew members, along with 70,000 extras and day workers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Denali Suites are the splurge, with all of the extras above plus a refrigerator and private balcony looking toward Denali National Park and Preserve.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 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
  • Built in 1852, the bright white building serves as a luxury hotel, fitness center, and spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • That could come in the form of a salary floor, penalizing clubs who spend less than $150 million, or even raising the luxury tax threshold to $300 million in 2027, with an eye on getting to $360 million four years later.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • This recipe for double crust apple pie delivers a mix of tart and sweet along with cinnamon that is crispy, delicious and is worth the indulgence.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Key ingredients include togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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