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noun

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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

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 essential
Adjective
Regularly cleaning your glass shower doors is essential for maintaining their clarity and protecting them from permanent damage or etching. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 The group called on the FAA to suspend some nearby helicopter routes with limited exceptions for essential military or medical emergencies. David Shepardson, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Noun
Memberships to design trade programs can be some of the best tools in an interior designer’s arsenal, rivaling evergreen essentials like a sketch pad, measuring tape, or top-tier software. Janelle Zara, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025 The cargo haul includes food and other essentials, as well as a variety of scientific experiments. Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
  • In disparate impact cases, defendants can argue that a requirement is nonetheless necessary for a job.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 May 2025
  • The administration argues the ban is necessary for military readiness, while challengers say four years of open service under the Biden administration produced no evidence of harm.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since Amazon unveiled Project Kuiper in 2019, officials at the retail giant have been shy about showing even the most basic imagery of their satellites.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 May 2025
  • In 2024, nurses on horseback delivered aid to Appalachian communities who had been cut off from basic care and services in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, according to Dr. Culbreath, jeans are integral to this style of professional dress.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 7 May 2025
  • As technology continues to define business opportunities, there are basic needs that are integral to every development.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70 $17 $15 at Amazon Facial sunscreens are a must in Florida, especially to prevent sun damage and premature aging.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 8 May 2025
  • While no prior acting experience is required for the aforementioned roles, prior kitchen experience is a must.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The building received its recertification, and by the Jan. 1 state deadline had filed its required milestone inspection reports and created a reserve fund.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Think about it—how often is passion a required attribute for entrepreneurs pitching their businesses?
    Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Doing the most rudimentary exercise in a cap system would show that overall economic parity would change little.
    Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • To do this, a small team at the automaker’s Weissach development center outfitted the Martini silver vehicle with rudimentary exhaust mufflers, additional mirrors, side indicators, a horn, and even a spare wheel hidden away beneath the rear clamshell.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s credits, grenades, shield and health kids to scavenge, on top of tons of materials whose inherent value isn’t really made clear at first — or ever, really.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • This highlights the future of our handcraft, emphasizing its significance in an evolving digital landscape and celebrating the labor of love inherent in the Filipino brand of craftsmanship.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • However, some analysts also credited other factors, such as eliminating minimum parking requirements.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Meeting these requirements will likely depend on AI vendors providing detailed technical disclosures, which could present challenges if vendors are unwilling or unable to share the necessary information.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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