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
  • To generate enough trust for users to use the system efficiently in their daily business work, there should be no unnecessary friction.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Without that money, about $27,000 over the last two years, his officers risk unnecessary danger.
    — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 16 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
  • Confirm priorities with someone involved, then cut the extras until the essentials are handled.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • The event is free, but a $20 VIP tickets buys you some extras, including a shadey sitting area, cooling misters and a bag of snacks.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 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
  • As more shoppers look for products that support relaxation, recovery and better rest, Snooz is positioning its dessert as more than just an indulgence.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
  • One of the country’s most exclusive bookings, a stay here really does feel like the ultimate indulgence, with access to its 80-label wine cellar and a food free-for-all anytime of the day.
    — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nonessential

Nglish: Translation of nonessential for Spanish Speakers

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