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
as in extravagance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nonessential
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Level 3 advises travelers to reconsider nonessential travel, and Level 4 recommends avoiding travel altogether.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Caitlyn Kim, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Adjective
All nonessential State of Michigan office buildings in the Upper Peninsula and much of the Northern Lower Peninsula are closed Monday because of the weather, state officials said Sunday.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Level 3 advises travelers to reconsider nonessential travel, and Level 4 recommends avoiding travel altogether.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 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
Adjective
-
Not one boater, diver, safety expert or lifeguard asked for this unnecessary threat to our natural resources and waste of tax dollars.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This was not the first time Karnišovas took an unnecessary risk on a clearly troubled player.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
David’s Bridal is known for its relative affordability in an industry rife with extravagance.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Other details on the interiors are scarce (for now), but Lazzara says the focus onboard is not about extravagance, but design continuity throughout each and every space on the new vessel—and having enough space to truly wind, too.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Bose and Sony headphones come with fully protective travel cases that hold extras, like charging cables and adapters.—
Eric Zeman,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Plus, it's known for its customer service and extras, like free credit counseling.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Cullinan, which went on sale in 2018 and is now in its second generation, oozes superfluity, and that's totally fine.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The 6,500-square-foot three-story contemporary is minimalist in decor but teeming with superfluities, including an elevator, a first-floor gym, a screening room, an infrared sauna and a master-bedroom walk-in closet bigger (and tidier) than my SoHo apartment.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
Twenty or thirty years ago, stadiums entered a luxury arms race, and they are now largely designed for lavish fan experiences affordable to only a few.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Stacey Lastoe is a freelance journalist covering wellness and luxury travel, food and drink, hotels, travel trends and news, and more.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Venus graces your sign until April 24, wrapping you in an energy that rewards indulgence, self-appreciation, and sensory pleasure.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Those little indulgences might be adding up to bigger bills!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonessential. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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