essential 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
Definition of essentialnext
1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

essential

2 of 2

noun

1
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
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
The museum opens on stadium event days and select non-event days, so checking the website for up-to-date scheduling is essential, especially during the World Cup when the stadium calendar will look different from a typical NFL season. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Consider this your cue to get ahead of the curve and start wearing the transitional essential now. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
Hardollin/Getty Images Over the past few years, high borrowing costs, rising prices on essentials and other economic hurdles have forced many Americans to lean more heavily on their credit cards to cover their expenses. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 The new speedy delivery options include more than 90,000 products, such as everyday essentials and items typically found in a local supercenter. —Matthew J. Belvedere,jeff Marks,paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
  1. necessary
  2. basic
  3. integral
  4. must
  5. required
  6. rudimentary
  7. inherent
  8. requirement
Adjective
  • But in recent years, Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, beyond the levels necessary for most non-military uses.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • According to court filings in the Eastern District of Virginia, the feds said the raid was a necessary part of an investigation into government leaks.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • As of now, a training center in Shandong is tutoring dozens of humanoids in basic tasks such as carrying trays, folding clothes, and retrieving water from shelves.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Overcrowding, abuse, and neglect have made conditions far worse, and basic agency oversight has been gutted.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • This language lays the groundwork for the Farm Bill to funnel taxpayer dollars to make AI an integral part of our food and farm system.
    — Anthony Pahnke, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Without diving into spoilers, Nika has become an integral part of the manga’s lore and endgame, the importance of which hasn’t been fully explored.
    — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of integral
Noun
  • For dining, Majore in the heart of the Iblei is a must.
    — Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Obviously, finding a franchise quarterback in 2027 is a must.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of must
Adjective
  • The budget negotiations process — as well as a required three-day cooling-off period before the budget can be voted on — will likely take more than a week.
    — Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The plea agreement goes on to state that Carie Hallford handled much of the banking, invoicing, contracting with customers, filing of required paperwork, bookkeeping and communications with customers.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • The puppetry, rudimentary special effects, and unflattering costumes mark it as a distinctly Adult Swim show.
    — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Yet standard neurological imaging, such as MRI scans, almost never detects abnormalities, and most physicians, who understand the symptoms’ basis in only the most rudimentary sense, can offer little useful counsel.
    — Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Despite the delicate balance, there is also an inherent – even genetic – understanding.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The limits of standalone offshore trusts Standalone offshore trusts carry inherent constraints.
    — Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of inherent
Noun
  • Democrats contend that the legislation will disenfranchise many of their voters because of its strict requirements for proving one’s identity and citizenship.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The main requirement is a willingness to wake up early and participate.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of requirement

Browse Nearby Words

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essentialities
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Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of essential for Spanish Speakers

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