as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
don't pack any unessential items until we're sure we have room for everything we'll actually need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unessential
In all, the resort had one, unessential ski lift damaged, while a few ski patrol and maintenance shacks burned down.
—
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
If necessary to reach an agreement, Biden and Blinken should threaten to withhold additional weapons systems that have been implicated in civilian casualties in Gaza and deemed unessential to Israel’s security, such as white phosphorous shells.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2024
If no agreement occurs by September 30, the government will shut down all unessential services, ranging from air traffic controllers to staffers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who monitor for disease outbreaks.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2023
Their reunion doesn’t last long, as Sarah can’t keep away from the Pogue life, and through another tangle of unessential details, the whole crew comes together to discover the Cross of Santo Domingo in the ceiling of an old church.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 22 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unessential
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
If necessary to reach an agreement, Biden and Blinken should threaten to withhold additional weapons systems that have been implicated in civilian casualties in Gaza and deemed unessential to Israel’s security, such as white phosphorous shells.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2024
If no agreement occurs by September 30, the government will shut down all unessential services, ranging from air traffic controllers to staffers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who monitor for disease outbreaks.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2023
Their reunion doesn’t last long, as Sarah can’t keep away from the Pogue life, and through another tangle of unessential details, the whole crew comes together to discover the Cross of Santo Domingo in the ceiling of an old church.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 22 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unessential
unnecessary
Adjective
-
An ultra-thin stiletto heel is the perfect counterpoint to the thickness of the platform, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that elongates the legs without adding unnecessary bulk.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Cleaning Out Your Closet All Year The key to continually getting rid of unnecessary clutter in your closet is by placing a big donation box (or duffle, or trash bag) inside your closet for easy access at the start of each year or season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unessential. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
