indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
Synonyms of indispensablenext
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
is indispensable to the team
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness noun
indispensably adverb

Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Local expertise is indispensable. Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026 For a country whose entire strategic identity rests on being indispensable, that may prove the most consequential loss of all. Joseph Epstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 In his view, when those touchpoints align, marketing can become indispensable within the healthcare system’s decision framework, and promotional messaging can become strategic persuasion. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 Misato Morita is also back as Kaori Makimura, Ryo’s indispensable partner, while Fumino Kimura returns as the quick-witted detective Saeko Nogami. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party

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