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
Relevance
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
1
as in must
something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essential
Camila Domonoske, NPR, 16 June 2026
Yes, even stress is essential for human survival.
—Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 16 June 2026
ABC News, 16 June 2026
The tabletop offers room for a lamp and other bedside essentials, while the three fabric drawers keep clutter neatly tucked away.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Adjective
Ask each mechanic who looks at your vehicle which work is actually essential.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 16 June 2026
Yes, even stress is essential for human survival.
—Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 16 June 2026
Noun
Breed brings together style, function, and travel-ready essentials with an assortment of groom kits, wallets, sunglasses, and watches perfect for summer and life on the go.
—ABC News, 16 June 2026
The tabletop offers room for a lamp and other bedside essentials, while the three fabric drawers keep clutter neatly tucked away.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essential
Adjective
-
County officials have said additional budget cuts will likely be necessary in the coming years.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
Some women who filed lawsuits against Ortega reported they had been confused about whether demeaning or uncomfortable actions the doctor engaged in during exams was within the bounds of necessary medical behavior.—
Emily Hoerner,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
The war displaced most of the Palestinian population of more than 2 million, left large parts of the territory in rubble and created widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies asGaza’s border crossings — all but one controlled by Israel — were shut.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
The Advanced Driver Assistance System is basic lane centering (see video above for more).—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
China Cabinets The china cabinet had its time in the sun decades ago, but is no longer an integral component of the dining room, Schumacher explains.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
13 June 2026
-
All throughout the organization, he’s viewed as an integral component and has the mental makeup to be a main voice in the locker room and on the court.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
However, taking responsibility is a must to properly protect a claim.—
Will Jones,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
And of course, a roomy beach bag that can hold your essentials in style is simply a must.—
Natalie Hammond,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Historic elements of the former hotel remain today, including a grand piano and white stone, spiral staircase that rises up to the second-floor banquet rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
Sagardía said the project brings together the kind of elements needed for a major international production.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The required transition occurs at a wavelength of roughly 148 nanometers, deep in the vacuum ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
-
Ohtani could not push his left knee, which kept him out of Friday’s game and required imaging.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Decision makers that prepare themselves with some rudimentary understanding of the types and models of AI, and ask the right questions of the solutions presented to them, are often better positioned to make a difference for their institution.—
Troy Holaday,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
But the filmic quality of the album lies less in any conventionally cinematic progression and more in Rossetto’s ability to imbue even the most rudimentary sounds with vivid detail and perspective.—
Levi Dayan,
Pitchfork,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Picture people celebrating the freedom inherent in Pochettino’s system?—
Mirjam Swanson,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
With inconsistent means of determining whether something is credible or not, combined with an inherent lack of trust in others, maybe communicators need a more measured approach that goes beyond checking for facts.—
Jennifer Best,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essential. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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