ESSENTIAL Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'essential' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of essential are cardinal , fundamental , and vital . While all these words 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

Q: When could 'cardinal' be used to replace 'essential'?

While in some cases nearly identical to essential , cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. // a cardinal rule in buying a home

Q: When is 'fundamental' a more appropriate choice than 'essential'?

While the synonyms fundamental and essential are close in meaning, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. // fundamental principles of algebra

Q: When would 'vital' be a good substitute for 'essential'?

The words vital and essential are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. // cut off from vital supplies

essential 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of essential next

as in necessary

impossible to do without a well-stocked public library is essential for the well-being of a community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject anyone with an essential knowledge of human biology can follow the documentary

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as in integral

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an unquenchable belief in the essential goodness of most people

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essential

2 of 2

noun

as in must

something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in principles

essentials plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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an essential role

a necessary role

a crucial role

an imperative role

a vital role

an integral role

essential information

critical information

fundamental information

useful information

primary information

precious information

an essential element

a key element

a requisite element

a major element

a main element

an important element

Synonym Chooser

How is the word essential different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of essential are cardinal, fundamental, and vital. While all these words 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

When could cardinal be used to replace essential?

While in some cases nearly identical to essential, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When is fundamental a more appropriate choice than essential?

While the synonyms fundamental and essential are close in meaning, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

When would vital be a good substitute for essential?

The words vital and essential are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies