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

Charlotte water restrictions are successfully curbing nonessential water use amid an ongoing drought. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

The city manager ordered taverns, theaters, and nonessential retail and service businesses to close for the duration of the shortage and set up public water stations in neighborhoods that had completely lost service. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 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