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
That could include takeout, subscriptions or other nonessential expenses. — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Leaders must immediately audit burn rate, freeze nonessential spend, tighten inventory cycles and reforecast ruthlessly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 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
  • After the lower court earlier this year ordered a halt to aboveground construction, the president argued that permission from Congress to build the ballroom was unnecessary because public money was not being used to pay for it.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Dawicki hopes the test will reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics, and slow the current march toward antibiotic resistance that has already rendered several antibiotics ineffective.
    — Alice Park, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • For rooms, the ADA Studio Coastline View room is 816 square feet of glorious view with a king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, and private patio for the ultimate in extravagance and ease.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
  • Rather than overwhelming diners with extravagance, each course builds thoughtfully toward the next.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • In the 13th, Brayan Bello, working his second inning out the bullpen, was able to retire the side in order and keep the White Sox off the board for the first time in extras.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Born in Los Angeles in 1934, Hickman first appeared as an extra in The Grapes of Wrath alongside older brother Darryl Hickman, before landing the starring role of Dobie Gillis in 1959.
    — Sophie Clausen, PEOPLE, 6 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
  • The luxury estate dates back to the 1800s, sits on 470 acres of land, and is located about 20 miles outside of London.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Qatari royal family's donation of the luxury jet valued at approximately $400 million, an unprecedented foreign gift, raised questions from some lawmakers and ethics experts.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • The greatest indulgence isn’t necessarily a larger villa or another lavish amenity.
    — Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Sunset Soft Serve Rita combines a strawberry and mango margarita with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, a bold Tajín® rim, rich chamoy drizzle, and a crunchy hot honey Tajín® topping for the perfect balance of sweet-heat indulgence.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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