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
Disable any software running on the computer that is nonessential and always close applications when you are finished using them. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 The agency currently has no active Level 4 travel health notices, but does warn against nonessential travel to parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to an outbreak of Ebola there. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 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 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
  • However, many medical experts and public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reject these policies as unnecessary and ineffective.
    — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The process is intended to prevent unnecessary healthcare costs and limit unnecessary facilities.
    — Eva Flowe October 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unnecessary
Noun
  • When Vreeland’s extravagance proved too much for Condé Nast, she was let go, in 1971.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The beachside Kayuputi restaurant is easily one of the island’s best, offering extravagances like wagyu beef carpaccio and Sturia caviar.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • These are larger and come with extras like complimentary pajamas.
    — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The 400 extras who walked Moschino’s Milan runway (not in our rankings this season, but an important show nonetheless) did something similar.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 9 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 Credit Suisse findings suggest that what holds value isn’t luxury per se, but specific tastes.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Kering doesn’t break down sales of individual houses except Gucci, but according to Bernstein estimates, the house generated less than €200 million in 2025, down sharply from a peak of €850 million during the post-pandemic luxury boom in 2022/2023.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • Amenities and experiences Hotel Principe di Savoia does not shy away from indulgence.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Some parents may be more lenient than others on the candy indulgence, but Arnaout says setting limits is important to avoid children getting stomach aches or nausea.
    — Lina Ruiz October 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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