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

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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
Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder said restrictions on nonessential water use may be necessary. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026 While the rest of the building is expected to reopen Saturday, the Grand Foyer will remain closed to visitors and nonessential personnel through the weekend, the outlet reported. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 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
  • Finally, there was Gilman’s unnecessary roughness penalty on top of a 22-yard pass that reset the tone of the game and helped enable Denver to cut it to 24-21.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Bears were helped on the ensuing kickoff by Seahawks defensive lineman Mike Morris’ unnecessary roughness penalty, setting them up at their 44-yard line.
    — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • In 20 years’ time, one of the extravagances in these pages may be as commonplace as the smartphone is now.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
  • When Vreeland’s extravagance proved too much for Condé Nast, she was let go, in 1971.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • Kawasaki The bike also gets nifty touring extras like hand guards, aluminum engine guards, and a taller windshield as standard.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Norton sees these practices as optional extras in a wellness routine.
    — Jamie Wolff, HEALTH, 30 Oct. 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 backstory The Dusit brand is practically synonymous with luxury hospitality in Thailand, having first opened its doors in Bangkok back in 1970.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The cocktail-making station and mini bar stocked with luxury chocolates and Viennese wafers adds to the fun.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • This recipe for double crust apple pie delivers a mix of tart and sweet along with cinnamon that is crispy, delicious and is worth the indulgence.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Key ingredients include togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of indulgence

Browse Nearby Words

nonerotic
nonessential
nonessentials
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonessential. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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