essential

1 of 2

adjective

es·sen·tial i-ˈsen(t)-shəl

Synonyms of essential next

: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent

: of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary

an essential requirement for admission to college

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet

a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids

see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2

: idiopathic

essential disease

essential hypertension

essentialness

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl-nəs

noun

essential

2 of 2

noun

: something basic

the essentials of astronomy

: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

Choose the Right Synonym for essential

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Example Sentences

Adjective As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential. Free speech is an essential right of citizenship. The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much. There's no essential difference between the two products. Noun the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Digital transformation is essential for retailers to fully take advantage of shifting consumer behaviors. —

Sharon Harris, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 Humidifiers are also essential for those who receive supplemental oxygen or use a CPAP machine. —

Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 22 Mar. 2023 This is useful for long-distance travel and bike tours where hauling extra food, water, and camping gear is essential. —

Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 22 Mar. 2023 For many of the district’s families — about 80% of whom are low-income — the meals are essential. —

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2023 Ford executives have said in public remarks that quality and cost improvements are essential in 2023. —

Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2023 So in other words, wide-leg denim are essential in every wardrobe, no matter the season. —

Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 20 Mar. 2023 Success in the portal could be essential for an SMU team that took a step forward this season and hopes to do the same in Year 3 under Wilson. —

Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 20 Mar. 2023 The Gaels just weren’t quite good enough without Ducas, whose floor-spacing is essential for a team light on shooting. —

Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2023

Noun

Defense is about more than trying hard, but that’s the minimum essential. —

Brett Dawson, The Courier-Journal, 1 Dec. 2022 The beach essential has thousands of five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers who praise its simple setup, portability, and seriously spacious design in reviews. —

Rachel Simon, PEOPLE.com, 6 May 2022 Thermal underwear is a cold-weather essential that can be used for everything from snow sports to outdoor working conditions to everyday comfort and protection against the frigid winter air. —

Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2023 Given that dumbbells are a weight-training essential at both official and makeshift gyms, why not invest in the best for less? —

Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2023 Sizes range from small to 3XL, making this lightweight yet cozy jacket an absolute essential for both travel and everyday outings. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2023 The Knit Swaddle Blanket is an essential for any new parent. —

Dallas News, 12 Jan. 2023 This beauty essential is cute enough to dress up with a pair of sling backs, yet practical enough to keep curls and fine hair safe and secure. —

Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 Dec. 2022 Available in 35 colors, including a few colorblock versions, there's no chance that this cold-weather essential could spoil a thought-out outfit. —

Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'essential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.