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
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 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
  • This efficiency not only conserves limited resources but also builds community trust by minimizing unnecessary interactions.
    — Charles "Chuck" Broadway, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • The proportions look right, with no unnecessary creases, and the active aerodynamic elements are neatly hidden within the bodywork.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • Harvey Nichols, by contrast, brings something Next cannot build overnight - a heritage in luxury and extravagance.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest.
    — Marc Malkin, Variety, 2 July 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • Emotional intelligence should be treated as part of the curriculum, not as a pastoral extra to be addressed after the serious academic work has finished.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Unique extras include open-air rainfall showers and golf carts for loading and unloading.
    — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026
Definition of extra
Noun
  • 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
  • To bear witness to the superfluity of beauty in the world.
    — Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Definition of superfluity
Noun
  • Another dinosaur has entered the luxury collectibles market, a reminder that even Earth’s deepest history can be sold to the highest bidder.
    — Kristi Curry Rogers, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • The lobster mini tacos bring a lighter kind of luxury, while the snapper crudo lands cool, citrusy, and clean.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • Together, these dishes tell a story of a fair that’s evolving into louder, brighter and more playful dishes while still rooted in Iowa’s love of indulgence, nostalgia and big summer flavor.
    — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026
  • And generally with these designers the matter of taste comes into play—be that Wun’s keenness for kitsch or Malhotra and Mishra’s indulgence.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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