Synonyms of nonessential

nonessential 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

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

• unnecessary
• extra
• unessential
• inessential
• optional
• needless
• dispensable
• irrelevant
• redundant
• gratuitous
• unwarranted
• discretionary
• elective
• superfluous
• uncalled-for
• extraneous
• irrelative

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• necessary
• essential
• important
• required
• needed
• crucial
• vital
• indispensable
• needful
• urgent
• imperative
• all-important
• pressing

nonessential

2 of 2

noun

as in extravagance

Related Words

• extravagance
• extra
• superfluity
• luxury
• indulgence
• frill
• comfort
• amenity
• nicety
• option
• treat
• accessory
• dainty
• delicacy
• accoutrement
• bells and whistles

Dissimilar Words

• essential
• must
• requirement
• necessity
• fundamental
• basic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonessential

Adjective

Leaders must immediately audit burn rate, freeze nonessential spend, tighten inventory cycles and reforecast ruthlessly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel health notices for both the Congo and Uganda, advising Americans to avoid nonessential travel to the provinces surrounding the outbreak location. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 25 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